Australian senators voted on Monday to censure independent Senator Lidia Thorpe for her outburst directed at King Charles III during a recent reception at Parliament House. This symbolic censure reflects the senators’ disapproval of Thorpe’s conduct during the first visit by a British monarch to Australia in 13 years. The motion passed with a majority of 46 votes to 12.
Senate Government Leader Penny Wong criticized Thorpe’s behavior, stating that it was intended to “incite outrage and grievance.” She expressed concern about this trend, which she noted is seen internationally and warned against its adoption in Australia.
During the King’s visit to Canberra and Sydney, Thorpe launched into an expletive-filled tirade following his speech. She shouted, “You are not our king. You are not sovereign,” and accused the British crown of committing genocide against Indigenous people. Security guards escorted her out as she demanded the return of Indigenous lands and artifacts.
In response to her censure, Thorpe made it clear that she had no regrets and would repeat her rant if the King visited again. She asserted her commitment to resisting colonization and emphasized her allegiance to the First Peoples of Australia, whom she called the real sovereigns of the land.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi of the Greens opposed the censure motion. She argued that the debate highlighted systemic issues of white privilege within the parliament, and defended Thorpe for speaking out about the British crown’s historical injustices against Indigenous Australians.
The vote was conducted before Thorpe arrived from Melbourne. She expressed disappointment that government senators did not wait for her to be present for the vote. Indigenous Australians, who make up less than 4% of the population, are the most disadvantaged ethnic group in the country.
