Strip Grace Tame of Australian of the Year Honour and investigate incitement

In 2021, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year: an honour reserved for individuals who reflect the values, unity and integrity of our nation. That title carries moral weight. It is not just recognition for past advocacy, it represents an ongoing association with Australian ideals.

At a recent anti-Israel rally in Sydney, Ms Tame led thousands in chanting: “From Gadigal (Aboriginal name for Sydney) to Gaza, globalise the intifada.”

The term intifada is historically associated with violent uprisings and armed conflict. Its use in Australia, particularly when amplified by a former national honouree, has caused profound distress within the Jewish community and concern across the broader public.

This occurred in a climate already charged with fear and trauma, including in the wake of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack. Many Australians are asking a simple question:

Does leading a chant associated with violent uprising align with the responsibilities of an Australian of the Year?

This is about responsibility, not silencing debate

✅ Australians have the right to protest.
✅ Australians have the right to criticise foreign governments.
✅ Australians have the right to speak freely.

❌ But no one, regardless of status, has the right to incite violence.

When a nationally recognised figure calls to “globalise the intifada,” it is not unreasonable for Australians to question whether that crosses the line from political expression into incitement. If ordinary citizens made comparable remarks encouraging globalised uprising, authorities would act. Public prominence should not provide immunity.

This petition does not call for new speech laws. It does not seek to criminalise political disagreement. Australia already has laws dealing with incitement to violence. If those laws apply, they should be enforced — consistently and without favour.

Why the honour must be revoked

The Australian of the Year award is meant to unite, not divide.

It symbolises: Respect for community harmony, leadership that uplifts rather than inflames and values that Australians across backgrounds can stand behind. When a former recipient engages in rhetoric that many Australians interpret as legitimising violent struggle, it undermines public trust in the integrity of that honour.

Removing or reviewing an award in light of serious misconduct is not unprecedented. National honours are privileges, not entitlements.

What we are demanding

We call on:

1️⃣ The National Australia Day Council

To immediately strip her honour. Her conduct is clearly not consistent with the values and responsibilities associated with the honour.

2️⃣ Relevant law enforcement authorities

To charge her for criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law.

If you believe national honours should reflect values that unite Australians, and that incitement to violence must be taken seriously, add your name today.