Australian senator Lidia Thorpe has rejected calls from opposition leader Peter Dutton to resign after a controversial protest at a reception for King Charles. Thorpe declared that her priority is justice for Indigenous Australians, not re-election. “I’m not looking to be re-elected – I’m looking to get justice for my people,” she stated.
Bold Protest Against the Monarchy
During the event at Parliament House, Senator Lidia Thorpe heckled King Charles and criticised the monarchy’s role in Australia’s colonial history. She turned her back on the national anthem and later approached the stage, shouting, “This is not your country.”
Thorpe, an Indigenous woman from the Gunnai, Gunditjmara, and Djab Wurrung peoples, demanded the return of stolen land and human remains. “You committed genocide against our people. Give us what you stole – our bones, our skulls, our babies,” she yelled before security escorted her out of the hall.
The Australian senator’s protest escalated when she shouted, “Fuck the colony” and declared, “You are not my king.” Senator Thorpe’s actions gained international attention and sparked heated debate in political circles.
Dutton Urges Resignation
Peter Dutton, leader of the opposition, criticised Senator Lidia Thorpe’s conduct and called for her resignation. Dutton questioned her integrity for criticising the system while benefiting from it.
“She takes a quarter of a million dollars a year from a system she despises,” Dutton said on Sunrise. “If you care about your cause, step down and stop making it about yourself.”
The opposition leader labelled the protest “predictable” and dismissed it as a publicity stunt. “It doesn’t advance any cause. It’s just self-promotion,” Dutton added.
Thorpe Responds with Defiance
In response, Senator Thorpe brushed off Dutton’s remarks. She insisted her tactics are necessary to make Indigenous voices heard.
“Every time I see Peter Dutton in parliament, he walks in the opposite direction,” Thorpe claimed on Radio National. “They only listen to Blak women if we conform and speak politely. I’m not here to conform.”
Thorpe defended her decision to challenge King Charles at the public event. “His family is responsible for what happened to my people. If he stays silent, he’s complicit,” she said.
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Apology for Instagram Post Controversy
Following the protest, a controversial Instagram post on Thorpe’s account further stirred debate. The post featured a cartoon of King Charles being beheaded. Thorpe apologised and explained that the image was shared without her knowledge by a staff member.
“I deleted it as soon as I saw it. Violence is not what I stand for,” Senator Thorpe clarified in a statement.
Coalition Divided on Censure Motion
Some members of the Liberal Party considered pursuing a parliamentary censure against Thorpe. However, Simon Birmingham, shadow foreign minister, advised caution. “A censure would only give her more attention,” he said during a press conference.
Birmingham argued that Thorpe might welcome the spotlight from any disciplinary action. “We must think carefully about how we respond without encouraging such behaviour,” he added.
Clare O’Neil, housing minister, confirmed the government would assess any specific proposal from the opposition. “We’ll wait and see what the Liberals bring forward,” she said on Radio National.
Fight for Justice and Accountability
Senator Thorpe reiterated that her focus remains on holding the monarchy accountable for its role in Australia’s colonial history.
“King Charles should apologise for the massacres his ancestors caused. Acknowledging history is the first step toward justice,” she said.
Thorpe expressed frustration with what she described as ongoing efforts to silence Indigenous voices. “We get shut down every time we speak out. But I will keep going,” she vowed.
No Plans to Step Down
Senator Lidia Thorpe confirmed she has no intention of resigning. “I’ll be here for another three years. Get used to truth-telling,” she told Radio National.
Thorpe’s actions reflect a broader push among Indigenous Australians to address historical injustices. Her protest, though controversial, underscores the tension between Australia’s colonial past and its present-day efforts for reconciliation.
Despite criticism from Peter Dutton and other conservative politicians, Senator Thorpe remains unapologetic. “I won’t stop until we get justice for my people,” she said.
Conclusion
Senator Lidia Thorpe’s protest against King Charles has sparked political controversy and divided opinions. While Peter Dutton demands her resignation, Thorpe stays firm in her mission. The Australian senator insists that challenging the monarchy and pushing for accountability are essential steps toward achieving justice. With three years left in her term, Thorpe’s fight for truth-telling and Indigenous rights shows no signs of slowing down.