Neil Mitchell’s view on the Grace Tame bong photo

Neil Mitchell says a 2014 photo of former Australian of the Year Grace Tame sitting beside a bong, which was published by the Daily Mail on Monday, isn’t “really something that needs to be exposed”.

The 3AW Mornings host says Ms Tame is “a kid” in the picture, taken eight years ago, and it isn’t “a judgement of her now at this age”.

“There’s never been any suggestion she’s abusing illegal drugs, none at all, however it’s getting a lot of attention,” he said.

“I don’t think that’s really something that needs to be exposed, that photograph. I don’t think it’s a criticism of her.

“I’m on her side.”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Mitchell’s view

Child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is urging Ms Tame to send a message to young people on drug use.

“I don’t think it’s a reflection on her now, or on her work, but now that it is out I think it would be good for her to come out as the former Australian of the Year and send a message to young people on cannabis use, particularly given the devastation toll it has on their mental health,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“I think for some young people it could normalise, glamourise and potentially sanitise the use of marijuana and that is not, obviously, the intention of Grace Tame … but I think that could be a side effect.”

Press PLAY below to hear why Dr Carr-Gregg thinks Grace Tame should send a message to young people

Image (Grace Tame): Sam Mooy/Getty Images