Jenny Morrison breaks silence over awkward Grace Tame meeting

Jenny Morrison has spoken out about her tense meeting with Grace Tame for the first time.

In a preview of a 60 Minutes interview set to air on Sunday night, the prime minister’s wife said she felt “disappointed” following the awkward encounter earlier this year.

The 2021 Australian of the Year avoided eye contact and appeared visibly uncomfortable around Scott Morrison and his wife when she attended the 2022 Australian of the Year Finalists Morning Tea at The Lodge in Canberra.

Scott and Jenny Morrison seen in a preview for the 60 Minutes interview. Source: 60 Minutes
Jenny Morrison has spoken out about her tense meeting with Grace Tame for the first time. Source: 60 Minutes

"I just found a little bit disappointing, because we were welcoming her in our home," Mrs Morrison tells Karl Stefanovic, Nine News reports.

"I respect people that want to change things, stand up for their beliefs, and are strong, but I still think there are manners and respect.”

Grace Tame explains awkward meeting

Ms Tame has explained why she refused to smile while having photos — which quickly went viral — taken with the couple.

“The survival of abuse culture is dependent on submissive smiles and self-defeating surrenders. It is dependent on hypocrisy,” she wrote on Twitter.

“My past is only relevant to the extent that I have seen — in fact I have worn — the consequences of civility for the sake of civility.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison wife Jenny and 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame and partner Max Heerey. Soure: AAP
The 2021 Australian of the Year avoided eye contact and appeared visibly uncomfortable around Scott Morrison and his wife. Soure: AAP

“What I did wasn’t an act of martyrdom in the gender culture war. It’s true that many women are sick of being told to smile, often by men, for the benefit of men.

“But it’s not just women who are conditioned to smile and conform to the visibly rotting status-quo. It’s all of us.”

Last week, Ms Tame hit out Mr Morrison and his government during a powerful speech at the national National Press Club, revealing a phone call she received warning her against publicly bad-mouthing the PM.

PM says he supports Ms Tame

Mr Morrison has also addressed the meeting, saying he continues to support Ms Tame.

"When Jenny and I invite someone to our home, we greet them with a smile and they're always welcome, and that day was actually about all the finalists we came to celebrate,” he said.

"I haven't raised any issues about (the incident) – all I'm saying is we were there that day to celebrate those who had done an incredible job for our country.

"Look, Grace is a passionate person who's raised important issues. She's had a terrible life ordeal ... the abuse. It's just awful.

"And I know a lot of Australians, me included, support her efforts to ensure that these issues can be raised and addressed.”

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