‘I can just think it’: Peter van Onselen admits controversial Grace Tame column was ‘probably unnecessary’

Peter van Onselen on the Project. The commentator has changed his view on whether his Grace Tame column needed to be written. Photograph: Network 10

Political journalist and commentator Peter van Onselen has conceded his column criticising Grace Tame for being “rude” to the prime minister “probably” didn’t need to be written.

In a podcast interview, Van Onselen said he didn’t resile from his view but said expressing his disapproval of the outgoing Australian of the Year’s actions made him the story and “as bad as Grace Tame”.