Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after describing former Australian of the Year Grace Tame as 'difficult' during a rapid response word game. He said he was referring to the hardships she has endured, adding that she deserved credit for turning a difficult life into advocacy for others. Tame rejected the label, saying it reflected misogyny and that history would instead call her 'courageous'.

The comment sparked criticism from political figures including Greens leader Larissa Waters, who said labelling women as difficult would not silence them. Albanese made several other pointed remarks during the same event, drawing both applause and controversy.

Tame was named Australian of the Year in 2021 for campaigning to change laws in Tasmania that prevented sexual abuse survivors from speaking publicly. She was abused as a teenager by her former teacher, who was later convicted. In recent years she has remained a prominent and sometimes divisive public figure, drawing attention for her criticism of political leaders and for remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally that led some politicians to call for her national honour to be revoked.