In a politically charged incident in Australia, Senator Lidia Thorpe has come under significant scrutiny after heckling King Charles during his recent visit to Canberra. The incident took place in the Great Hall of Parliament, where Thorpe expressed her dissent by shouting, “you are not my King” and “this is not your land.” Her remarks were an attempt to bring attention to the deep-seated issues stemming from British colonization and its ongoing effects on Aboriginal communities in Australia. In response to the uproar caused by her actions, Australian lawmakers voted to censure Thorpe, reinforcing their “profound disapproval” of her protest.
The Senate’s censure, which passed with a vote of 46 in favor and 12 against, labeled Thorpe’s conduct as “disrespectful and disruptive.” The motion further asserted that such behavior should disqualify her from representing the Senate in any capacity on future delegations. It’s important to note that a censure motion, while politically symbolic, does not carry any constitutional or legal ramifications. Such actions serve primarily to express disapproval rather than to implement punitive measures.
After the Senate’s decision, which occurred on a Monday, Senator Thorpe addressed the media, asserting that she had been denied her right to respond in the chamber due to a delayed flight. She passionately stated, “The British Crown committed heinous crimes against the first peoples of this country… I will not be silent.” Her protests sparked immediate backlash not only from across the political spectrum but also from notable Indigenous leaders. Despite this, Thorpe received commendations from various activists who argued that her disruptions shone a light on the ongoing struggles faced by Australia’s first peoples, who continue to encounter significant disadvantages, including in health, wealth, education, and life expectancy.
Interestingly, while her protest garnered mixed reactions, King Charles was still welcomed enthusiastically during his five-day tour of Australia, which he undertook alongside Queen Camilla. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reflecting on the monarch’s visit, remarked, “You have shown great respect for Australians, even during times when we have debated the future of our own constitutional arrangements and the nature of our relationship with the crown. Nothing stands still.” This indication of public sentiment contrasts with the actions of Thorpe, highlighting varying perspectives regarding colonial history and its legacy.
Senator Lidia Thorpe has a long history of Indigenous activism, often stirring significant discourse on these issues. During her swearing-in ceremony in 2022, she notably referred to Queen Elizabeth II as a colonizer—a declaration that led to a request for her to retake her oath after facing backlash. Last year, a pivotal referendum aimed at granting constitutional recognition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was decisively rejected, generating notable contention within the electorate. This proposal, often called “the Voice,” aimed to establish a framework that would enable Indigenous communities to advise parliament on issues affecting them, but was mired in controversy and a vigorous campaign from both political sides.
The results from that referendum suggested that while a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voters preferred a ‘Yes’ vote, there was no unanimous consensus among the population. Senator Thorpe emerged as a prominent voice against the proposal, criticizing it as merely tokenistic and part of a broader systemic issue. The complex dynamics surrounding such discussions continue to pose challenges for policymakers and Indigenous activists alike, leaving future discussions regarding Indigenous rights and recognition uncertain.
In conclusion, Senator Thorpe’s protest during King Charles’s visit is emblematic of the wider, contentious dialogue within Australia regarding colonial history, Indigenous rights, and the ongoing impacts of these issues on Aboriginal communities. The recent censure reflects the polarized views on how to address the legacies of colonization and the prominent role activism plays in these discussions today.
