Peter Gutwein,Premier
I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to Grace Tame who has been announced as the 2021 Australian of the Year in Canberra tonight, in what is an incredible recognition of her powerful advocacy for survivors of sexual assault.
This is the first time a Tasmanian has been named Australian of the Year in the Award program’s 61 year history.
Grace has demonstrated extraordinary courage championing the #LetHerSpeak campaign, in which she used her voice to push for legal reform and raise public awareness about the impacts of sexual violence.
It takes immense courage for survivors to speak out about their experience, and in recognition of this the Tasmanian Government amended section 194K of the Evidence Act 2001 to provide victims the right to speak publicly.
The leaders who steered the nation through a health and bushfire crisis are the favourites to become 2021 s Australian of the Year.
State and territory finalists for the Australian of the Year are in Canberra ahead of Monday s reveal, when they will find out who will be awarded the top honour.
While ACT Australian of the Year Professor Brendan Murphy and NSW Australian of the Year Shane Fitzsimmons are the favourites to win, they are vying for the gong against passionate campaigners and doctors.
State and territory finalists for the Australian of the Year are in Canberra ahead of Monday s reveal
Australian of the Year Local Heroes 2021 are a portrait of compassion, courage and creativity
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After a year of extraordinary adversity, Australians have continued to strive to better their communities with compassion and resolve.
From supporting drought-stricken farmers to re-thinking our relationship with plastic and combating family violence, the finalists for the Australian of the Year s Local Hero award have made their corner of the world a better place.
They have given shelter to those experiencing homelessness, provided education and employment opportunities for young people, and helped migrants find their feet in a new country.
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A broad field of candidates are in the running for the 2021 Australian of the Year Awards.
Thirty-three Australians have been listed as finalists across four award categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.
National Australia Day Council chief executive Karlie Brand said following a year of bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic, the finalists showcased the extraordinary ways Australians responded amid times of crises. The past year has been particularly challenging and many of the finalists have shown incredible leadership or stepped up to help in extraordinary ways, she said.