Grace Tame, the former Australian of the Year, once again made headlines for her audacious fashion choice, donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the words 'Fuck Murdoch' during a morning tea with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The event, held on January 25, 2025, at The Lodge in Canberra, featured not only Tame but also other recipients and finalists of the prestigious Australian of the Year awards.
Tame has established herself as an outspoken advocate, particularly concerning issues surrounding sexual misconduct and media ethics, making her latest sartorial statement both timely and reflective of her convictions. The T-shirt, created by local brand Lonely Kids Club, served as more than just apparel; it represented Tame's target at Rupert Murdoch, the billionaire media mogul synonymous with contentious media practices and purported ethical lapses.
Vividly unbothered by the tempest her attire might incite, Tame strutted confidently through the event. Upon meeting Prime Minister Albanese and his fiancée, Jodie Haydon, she was greeted with smiles, though the Prime Minister's reaction to her provocative statement was not visibly discernible. Such moments at public appearances have become Tame's trademark, leaving many to recall her memorable, icy demeanor toward the previous Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, at the same event back in 2022.
At the earlier morning tea event, Tame was photographed glaring at Morrison—a moment made famous for its powerful resistance to expectations of cordiality. Notably, her discontent stemmed from Morrison's government's inadequate response to the pressing issues of sexual assault and toxic workplace culture within Parliament. During this encounter, she later reflected on her social media, highlighting how it is often women who are pressured to adhere to the smiling, compliant archetype for the comfort of men, not recognizing their own agency and voices.
Upon wearing her new shirt, Tame spoke candidly about its dual meaning, stating, "It’s a great shirt and says it all, doesn’t it?" She connected her statement not only to Murdoch's personal influence but broader societal issues: "If we want to dismantle the concentration of morbid wealth... it’s probably a good place to start." Herein lies the crux of Tame's message—it's not merely about the media titan but what he signifies within the greater framework of power and control over democratic processes.
Tame explained her stance: "[The T-shirt is] clearly not just about Murdoch, it’s the obscene greed, inhumanity, and disconnection..." This sentiment echoes her larger vision for change, detailing the urgent need for addressing climate action and supporting justice principles through grassroots advocacy. With her T-shirt, she sought to stir conversations about the undemocratic control wielded by elite circles, calling for immediate attention to the fractures within the societal fabric.
The event, meant to celebrate achievers, quickly pivoted center stage to Tame's social commentary, shaping it as a platform for bold expressions and social critique. This moment attracted enthusiasm online, with supporters praising Tame's courage and commitment to her values. One Reddit user lauded her bravery, asserting, "Grace wearing a 'Fuck Murdoch' shirt shows more guts than the entire Labor government combined… And it’s a shirt, people…" Such acclaim resonates with her image as a fearless advocate willing to confront powerful figures.
On her social media, Tame also noted, "You’ve ruined the planet," indicating her discontent with what she perceives as Murdoch’s detrimental influence on public discourse and environmental policies. This commentary aligns with Prime Minister Albanese's remarks from late 2022, condemning the apparent collusion between News Corp's extensive media outlets and political maneuvering. Albanese pointed out similar lines of criticism between Murdoch’s empire and the opposition, framing it as part of the political dynamics Australians contend with.
While the annual event celebrates the coming together of Australia's prominent individuals for notable achievements, it also becomes ripe for fervent discussions about systemic failures and moral responsibilities within political and media spheres. Activists like Tame leverage these opportunities to bring their causes to the forefront, urging society not to overlook the intersectionality of issues facing the populace today.
Following the morning tea, speculation around its impact remains heated, with preparations for the upcoming ceremony recognizing the Australian of the Year winners, set to air on January 25. Tame's message against Rupert Murdoch and the overarching structures of wealth, power, and control continues to challenge the status quo, setting the groundwork for pivotal dialogues around media ethics and societal accountability.