AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR...
Cate McGregor said choosing David Morrison as Australian of the Year was a ‘weak, conventional choice’
CATHERINE McGregor has been forced to apologise after saying David Morrison was a “weak and conventional choice” for 2016 Australian of the Year, and he has more to learn about LGBTI issues.
The Queensland finalist, who used to work for the former army chief, said she felt really sad the board of the National Australia Day Council “did not have the courage to go with an LGBTI person”.
“I thought it was time ... it was a weak and conventional choice,” she told the Star Observer, a publication for the gay and lesbian community.
Gen Morrison is also the former boss of a fellow finalist Catherine McGregor, who was behind his 2013 video before she went public with her transformation from male to female.
He refused to accept her resignation when she went public with her transformation from male to female.
After receiving the top award, Ms McGregor said Morrison “dead-named” her by calling her by her former male name and used incorrect pronouns when referring to her.

But Ms McGregor does not think he meant to make the mistakes.
“It shows a lack of skill on trans issues, he didn’t do intentionally … but that showed a clunkiness he needs to learn,” she told the Star Observer.
Ms McGregor revealed she felt sad she wasn’t chosen as Australian of the Year.
“I felt sad for two reasons, one was I like to win things,” she said.
“I felt really sad that they (National Australia Day board) did not have the courage to go with an LGBTI person.
“I thought it was time … it was a weak and conventional choice.