In a dramatic showdown in Australia’s Senate, Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe has been officially censured after her fiery protest against King Charles III during his visit to Parliament last month. The vote, spearheaded by the ruling Labor Party, saw 46 senators in favor and just 6 against, marking a significant moment in Australian politics.
Thorpe, a proud Gunnai, Gunditjmara, and Djab-Wurrung woman representing Victoria, made headlines when she interrupted the royal proceedings on October 21, shouting, “You committed genocide against our people! Give us our land back! Give us what you stole from us!” Her passionate outburst resonated worldwide, igniting fierce debates about colonialism and Indigenous rights. Despite the Senate’s censure, Thorpe remains defiant, declaring, “I will not be silent. The truth is, this colony is built on stolen land, stolen wealth, and stolen lives.”
Symbolic Censure and Defiance
The Senate’s censure, while politically symbolic and lacking legal power, reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding Australia’s colonial history. Thorpe’s protest was a stark reminder of the grievances held by Indigenous Australians against the British Crown, which she accused of committing “heinous crimes” against First Peoples. Following the censure, Thorpe dramatically tore the document in half, echoing a recent protest by New Zealand’s Te Pati Maori legislator, further amplifying her message of resistance.
As Australia grapples with its colonial legacy, Thorpe’s bold actions and the Senate’s response highlight the deep divisions and passionate calls for accountability that continue to shape the nation’s political landscape.