On October 21, 2024, during King Charles’ visit to Australia, Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe made news by accusing him of genocide in a parliament meeting. Thorpe’s strong outburst surprised lawmakers and guests as she called for the return of stolen Indigenous land and asked for a treaty to fix the wrongs of colonization.
What Happened?
King Charles, on his 16th official visit to Australia, had just finished a speech where he acknowledged the traditional owners of the land. Moments later, Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted, shouting, “Give us our land back! Give us what you stole from us!” She accused the British Crown of committing genocide against Indigenous Australians during the colonial period, which began in 1788 when British settlers arrived.
Thorpe was quickly removed from the chamber by security, but her protest had already made an impact. King Charles remained calm and continued the event after briefly speaking with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Who is Lidia Thorpe?
Lidia Thorpe, 51, is an Indigenous Australian senator and activist known for her strong opposition to the British monarchy and her support for Indigenous rights. She is known for bold actions that highlight the struggles of Aboriginal people. Thorpe has been asking for a national treaty for a long time to deal with the violence and unfair treatment caused by colonization.
In 2017, Thorpe became the first Indigenous woman elected to Victoria’s state parliament. She joined the federal government in 2020 but left her political party in 2023 to become an independent senator, focusing on the Black Sovereign Movement, which fights for Indigenous sovereignty.
Why Did Thorpe Protest?
Australia was a British colony for over 100 years, during which many Indigenous Australians were killed or displaced. The country gained independence in 1901 but still recognizes the British monarch as its head of state. Many Indigenous Australians believe that colonization caused lasting harm, and they continue to face discrimination today.
Thorpe’s protest asked for a treaty between Indigenous Australians and the government, which she thinks will help fix the mistakes of the past. She also wants the British monarchy to return Indigenous remains and land taken during colonization.
Thorpe’s protest is part of a larger debate about Australia’s relationship with the British monarchy. For many, Thorpe’s actions show that there are still problems from Australia’s colonial past that haven’t been fixed. Some people see her request for a national treaty as a step toward real healing.
Some people supported Thorpe’s protest, while others, like former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, called it “political exhibitionism.” However, her actions have drawn attention to the on going struggles of Indigenous Australians and the push for a treaty. Despite the disruption, King Charles continued his visit, and royal officials thanked the thousands who welcomed him.
As Australia keeps dealing with its colonial history, Thorpe’s protest has started new discussions about justice for Indigenous Australians and whether the country will become a republic, separate from the British monarchy.