Tourette syndrome advocate calls Prime Minister Albanese’s apology ‘hollow’

Key points:

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised to Australians in the evening of Tuesday, October 8, 2024, for the Tourette syndrome remark directed to Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor earlier that day
• Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia President Mandy Maysey described the Prime Minister’s apology as ‘hollow’ 
• Approximately one in 100 Australian school children have Tourette syndrome and this neurological condition can continue into adulthood

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced backlash from advocates of Tourette syndrome after using the term ‘Tourette’s’ as an insult directed at Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor.

The remark was made during question time on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, when discussing tax changes.

While participating in the scheduled question time, Prime Minister Albanese suggested that Shadow Treasurer Taylor’s disruption was related to a neurological condition.

“This nonsense that they carry on with […] Have you got Tourette’s or something?” he said.

“[…] You know, you just sit there — babble, babble, babble.”

Later on the evening of October 8, 2024, Prime Minister Albanese apologised for his comment, in which he referenced Tourette syndrome as an insult, hours after the initial comment withdrawal was made.

“I knew it was wrong as soon as I made the comment. I apologised and I withdrew [it] as soon as I said it, but it shouldn’t have happened,” he said.

“I also want to apologise to all Australians who suffer [sic] from this disability. I regret saying it. It was wrong, it was insensitive and I apologise.”

However, Prime Minister Albanese’s remarks are considered ‘ableist’ by disability advocates, a term which is defined as any discrimination, bias or prejudice towards someone with disability.

President of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia Mandy Maysey highlighted the damaging nature of the Prime Minister’s initial remark in an interview with Seven’s Sunrise hosts.

“[Tourette syndrome] is socially isolating and for [Prime Minister Albanese] to just flippantly use it in such an off-handed manner speaks volumes of how the [Tourette’s] community is viewed by the general public, which means we’ve got an awful lot of work to do,” she said.

“I do feel Mr Albanese’s apology was a bit hollow.”

Tourette syndrome involves involuntary tics and repetitive vocalisations, which first appear between the ages of two to 12 years. Although symptoms and severity of the condition vary between individuals, tics can include increased eye blinking and shrugging of the shoulders, and vocalisations such as swearing or grunting. 

Approximately one in 100 Australian school children have Tourette syndrome and this neurological condition can continue into adulthood.

However, recent research by the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia found that fewer than 30 percent of Australians with Tourette syndrome ‘describe their encounters with first responders as positive.’ This data suggests that more awareness could be raised in the healthcare sector and the general community to facilitate better interactions.

While the Prime Minister’s recent remark highlighted concern in the Tourette syndrome community, positive instances referencing Tourette syndrome also occurred recently.

Lewis Capaldi, an award-winning singer and songwriter from Scotland, previously posted on Instagram about his difficulties living with Tourette syndrome during his performances and recent tours. 

“I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I’d hoped three weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette’s,” he wrote.

“On Saturday, it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.”

A short post to his followers indicated not only that he was looking after his mental health, but also subtly raises awareness for Tourette syndrome and the impact it can have on well-being.

Lewis Capaldi’s post has now been liked by more than 2.5 million people, as of October 9, 2024.

What are your thoughts on Prime Minister Albanese’s recent comment?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

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