Senator Lidia Thorpe recently responded to criticism of her disruption of the King’s parliamentary welcome ceremony by stating that it was “just another day in the colony.” She believes her protest was successful because it sparked a global conversation. Despite facing backlash from other Indigenous Australians, Thorpe remains determined to be a vocal advocate for her people.
During an interview on Nine’s Today show, Thorpe admitted that swearing allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II in order to assume her senate seat was a challenging decision. She consulted with her family before ultimately deciding to go through with it, but she believes it was inappropriate given the historical harm inflicted by the Queen’s ancestors on Indigenous communities. Nevertheless, Thorpe sees her position in the Senate as an opportunity to fight for justice for First Nations people.
Thorpe pushed back against calls for her resignation, asserting that no one has the power to remove her from office. She is committed to truth-telling and using her platform to address pressing issues facing Indigenous communities, such as the high rates of child removal and suicide among First Nations people. She advocates for a treaty to address historical injustices and move towards reconciliation as a nation. Thorpe also called for Australia to move towards becoming a republic with its own head of state.
In her quest for justice, Thorpe aims to shed light on the realities faced by Indigenous Australians, including the trauma of child removal and the ongoing struggles with mental health and suicide. By disrupting the King’s parliamentary welcome ceremony, Thorpe intended to draw attention to the urgent need for change and recognition of Indigenous rights. She remains committed to being a strong and vocal advocate for her community, despite facing criticism and pushback.
Thorpe’s disruptive actions have garnered both support and criticism, with some praising her boldness and others questioning her methods. She remains steadfast in her commitment to amplifying the voices of First Nations people and advocating for their rights and recognition. The controversy surrounding her protest highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by Indigenous communities in their fight for justice and equality.
As Senator Lidia Thorpe continues to make waves in Australian politics, her defiance and determination serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in the country. Her bold actions and outspoken advocacy signal a growing movement for truth-telling and reconciliation, as she calls for a national treaty and a shift towards a republic with its own head of state. Thorpe’s refusal to back down in the face of criticism underscores her unwavering commitment to speaking out against injustice and standing up for marginalized communities.
