Australian Story: Nov 22

Monday’s Australian Story profiles Australian of the Year Grace Tame, discussing her year in the spotlight and her advocacy work.

This episode is introduced by Julia Zemiro.

When Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year in January she promised to make some noise and she hasn’t disappointed. The 26-year-old child abuse survivor has been one of the most outspoken recipients of the award in its 62-year history, unafraid to criticise the Morrison government and the Prime Minister himself.

Virtually unemployed when she received the award, Grace Tame’s life changed dramatically. She was thrust into the limelight, required to tell the story of her abuse again and again while still processing those traumatic events. She was inundated with messages from other abuse survivors and found the cause she advocated for swept up into a broader national conversation about the treatment of women.

It has been a tumultuous time but Tame has been determined to make the most of the opportunities her national prominence provides.

“My job is to hear and stand with the oppressed and if I have a platform that allows me to do that, you bet your arse I’m going to use it,” she tells Australian Story.

In an intimate and revealing Australian Story, Grace Tame looks back over her tenure as Australian of the Year and the difficult journey that led her there.

Producers: Winsome Denyer and Greg Hassall.

8pm Monday on ABC.

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