Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, has once again used a public event to make a powerful political statement. During the 2025 Australian of the Year finalists’ morning tea at The Lodge in Canberra, Tame made headlines by wearing a t-shirt with a bold and controversial message: “F–-k Murdoch.” The shirt, directed at billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch, served as a pointed reminder of Tame’s willingness to use her platform to challenge powerful figures and institutions.
At the event, Tame greeted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancé Jodie Haydon. Despite the provocative message on her shirt, neither Albanese nor Haydon appeared to have a visible reaction. However, Tame’s choice of attire was hard to ignore, serving as a silent but powerful form of protest. It also speaks to her history of using high-profile events to voice her opinions and draw attention to causes she believes in.
Tame’s appearance at The Lodge in 2023 wasn’t the first time she has sparked a media frenzy with her actions during these gatherings. In 2022, she made headlines when a photograph captured her giving former Prime Minister Scott Morrison a sharp “side-eye” during an event at The Lodge. That moment symbolized her disdain for the political leadership at the time and was seen as a gesture of defiance, further cementing Tame’s role as a figure unafraid to take on those in power.
Since receiving the prestigious Australian of the Year award in 2021, Tame has used her platform to advocate fiercely for survivors of sexual assault, calling for greater protections and support for those affected. Her campaign to eliminate Tasmania’s gag laws—laws that prevented survivors from publicly speaking about their experiences—has been a central focus of her activism. Tame’s bravery in challenging the status quo has earned her both admiration and criticism, but she remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice.
Tame’s anti-Murdoch t-shirt represents another layer of her activism, particularly in challenging the dominance and influence of Murdoch’s media empire, which has often been accused of shaping public discourse to serve specific political and corporate interests. Murdoch’s media outlets have been at the center of numerous controversies, with critics arguing that his outlets have played a pivotal role in shaping political narratives and influencing elections. By wearing the t-shirt, Tame not only called attention to Murdoch’s influence but also aligned herself with those who believe the media mogul’s reach has far-reaching consequences on Australian democracy.
The message on Tame’s t-shirt also points to the broader discussion surrounding media accountability and the role of journalism in contemporary society. While Murdoch’s media empire has a significant reach, it is increasingly facing scrutiny over its editorial decisions and the ethical implications of its reporting. Tame’s protest, though subtle, adds her voice to the growing chorus calling for a more accountable and transparent media landscape.
While Tame’s actions may divide opinion, her unflinching advocacy continues to capture the public’s attention. It is clear that she will not shy away from using her position to push back against powerful individuals and systems, even in the most high-profile of settings. Her activism is not limited to her words; it is embodied in her actions, whether it’s challenging the political elite, calling out media moguls, or standing in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault.
In this case, her anti-Murdoch t-shirt serves as both a personal statement and a broader call for societal change. It sends a message that Tame remains committed to using her platform to confront injustices, challenge the power structures that perpetuate them, and advocate for a future where survivors of sexual assault are given the voice and support they deserve.
As the conversation around media influence and accountability continues to unfold in Australia, Tame’s bold stance reminds us all that activism can take many forms, from public protests to the messages worn on our clothing. For Tame, the fight for justice is not just a personal journey but a public commitment to ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard and that those in power are held to account.
