Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has found herself at the center of controversy after leading chants of "globalise the intifada" during a protest rally against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Sydney. The rally was organized in response to Herzog's perceived disregard for Palestinian lives, with Tame accusing him of "incitement to genocide" and attributing the deaths of innocent civilians to his decisions. This narrative has ignited criticism from both federal and state politicians, who are now questioning Tame's suitability as a public figure representing Australia.

The New South Wales government is exploring the potential banning of the phrase under new hate speech laws, a move that underscores the sensitive nature of discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Australia. Critics argue that focusing on the rights of Tame and the appropriateness of her chants diverts attention from more pressing issues, such as the police enforcement actions against protesters. Prominent Muslim leaders have voiced concerns that the backlash against Tame indeed subverts the important discussions on local policing and civil rights.

As the controversy develops, it raises larger questions about free speech and the role of public figures in political protests. The government’s possible legislation and celebrity-led protests might alter public engagement and activism, delineating boundaries that could impact future expressions of dissent. The dialogue around Tame’s actions and the subsequent political fallout also reflects a wider societal struggle in Australia regarding discourse on Middle Eastern politics and the challenging intersection of activism and legality.