NSW Labor MP Tania Mihailuk says former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has “made her mark this year”.
Ms Tame has been criticised for remaining unsmiling, along with partner Max Heeley, when photographed with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and wife Jenny at a pre-Australia Day morning tea on Tuesday.
“She’s a young modern advocate, all power to her, she was making a point there’s no doubt about that,” Ms Mihailuk said. “She’s not a mannequin, just because she was Australian of the Year doesn’t preclude you from having a point of view, or from making a statement and that’s the choice that she’s made.
Ms Mihailuk said Ms Tame, an advocate for sexual assault survivors, is an example of “the new modern young woman”.“It might not sit well with all of us, but I’ve gotta say she’s really made her mark this year.”