Australian of the Year finalist says winner David Morrison was a 'weak and conventional choice'
Queensland Australian of the Year Catherine McGregor has branded overall winner David Morrison as a ‘weak and conventional choice’ for Australian of the Year during a controversial interview.
The state finalist is a former employee of Mr Morrison, working with him during her time with the Australian Defence Force.
She voiced her opinion over the judge's choice by saying the National Australia Day Council (NADC) 'did not have the courage to go with an LGBTI person'.
'I thought it was time ... it was a weak and conventional choice,' she told the Star Observer.
Ms McGregor said Mr Morrison still had lot to learn about the transgender, gay and lesbian community after he addressed her using her former male name, Malcolm.
“He didn't do it intentionally ... but that showed a clunkiness he needs to learn,” she said.
“I think I'll die without seeing a trans Australian of the Year and I think that's terribly sad.”
She later retracted her controversial comments on Twitter saying:
“I wish to apologise to the National Australia Day Council unconditionally for my remarks in the Star Observer. I made a criticism about the choice of AOTY based on my personal view that an opportunity had been missed to name an LGBTI Australian. This was poor judgement.
I apologise to David Morrison and to the selection committee. I will not make further comment on this issue
— Catherine McGregor (@CateMc3273) January 27, 2016
"I am entrely [sic] accountable for this and withdraw this aspersion unreservedly. I had spoken in the context of the recipient fine record in the realm of women's right.
"I apologise to David Morrison and to the selection committee. I will not make further comment on this issue."
The NADC released a statement saying they were ‘very disappointed’ by Ms McGregor’s comments, but accepted her apology.
“The Board stands by its decision to select David Morrison as the 2016 Australian of the Year as a champion of diversity and for marginalised communities in Australia, including the LGBTI community.
“The NADC looks forward to working with David, Catherine and all the 2016 Australian of the Year finalists, all remarkable Australians, to make our great nation even better.”
