Lidia Thorpe, an Aboriginal senator, disrupts a royal event in Canberra with her protest against King Charles III, igniting a heated national conversation on Indigenous rights and the monarchy’s role in Australia. Discover the mixed reactions from Indigenous leaders and politicians.
The protest actions of independent senator Lidia Thorpe during a recent royal event in Australia have sparked heated debates across the nation. Thorpe, an Aboriginal woman, has become the subject of both praise and criticism after voicing strong opposition to King Charles III during his visit to Canberra. This article delves into the unfolding controversy, analyzing the impact of Thorpe’s actions, the reactions from Indigenous leaders, and the broader implications for Australia’s journey towards reconciliation.
Introduction to the Controversy
Lidia Thorpe, an outspoken Indigenous Australian senator, made headlines worldwide after disrupting a royal event attended by King Charles. Her protest, in which she shouted, “You are not my king” and “This is not your land,” quickly ignited widespread discourse both domestically and internationally.
While some have viewed her protest as a courageous act of resistance, others, including prominent Aboriginal leaders, have expressed disapproval. Thorpe’s actions, coupled with the brief appearance of a violent image of the King on her social media, have drawn significant backlash.
Who Is Lidia Thorpe?
Lidia Thorpe is a well-known independent senator in Australia. As a proud Aboriginal woman, she has long been an advocate for the rights of First Nations people. Thorpe’s political career has been characterized by her unwavering commitment to Indigenous issues and her criticism of colonial structures, including the British monarchy.
The Incident: Thorpe’s Protest Against King Charles
On a Monday in Canberra, Lidia Thorpe made a global impact when she interrupted a royal event to voice her dissent against King Charles. The independent senator loudly proclaimed that the King is not a sovereign figure in Australia, as he is not “of the land.” Her message resonated with some but drew harsh criticism from others, including Australian politicians and Indigenous leaders.
The Criticism: Backlash From Indigenous Leaders
Despite her well-known stance on Indigenous rights, Thorpe’s protest has not received unanimous support. Some Aboriginal leaders, including elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, who officially welcomed the King and Queen Camilla to Ngunnawal country, expressed their disappointment in Thorpe’s actions. Sheridan stated, “Lidia Thorpe does not speak for me and my people.”
Nova Peris, the first Aboriginal woman to serve in Australia’s parliament, also condemned the protest, calling it “embarrassing and disappointing.” Peris emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue in advancing the cause of reconciliation, rather than actions that may divide the nation.
The Social Media Fallout: Controversial Image
Shortly after the protest, a violent image briefly appeared on Thorpe’s Instagram account. The cartoon depicted King Charles beheaded, with his crown placed next to him. Thorpe has since apologized, stating that the image was posted without her knowledge by a staff member, and she removed it immediately upon discovery.
Thorpe explained, “I deleted it as soon as I saw. I would not intentionally share anything that could be seen to encourage violence against anyone.” Despite this, the image added fuel to the criticism Thorpe was already facing, intensifying scrutiny of her actions.
Support From Activists
Not all reactions to Thorpe’s protest were negative. Some Indigenous activists came to her defense, arguing that her actions were justified given Australia’s colonial history. Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, a Bundjalung lawyer and author, noted that the monarchy’s presence in Australia is deeply harmful and disrespectful. She lauded Thorpe for speaking out, stating that Thorpe has “the ancestors right with her” when she protests.
Thorpe’s Response: A Call for Accountability
Following the backlash, Lidia Thorpe defended her actions, clarifying that her protest was intended to send a clear message to King Charles. In an interview with the BBC, she explained, “To be sovereign you have to be of the land. He is not of this land.” Thorpe further elaborated that her goal was to draw global attention to the plight of Indigenous Australians and to demand accountability from the British monarchy for its role in historical injustices.
Seeking an Apology From the Crown
One of Thorpe’s key demands is for King Charles to issue an apology for the historical violence inflicted upon Indigenous Australians by the British Empire. She stated, “Why doesn’t he say, ‘I am sorry for the many, many thousands of massacres that happened in this country and that my ancestors and my kingdom are responsible for that’?”
Thorpe’s call for an apology taps into broader discussions about Australia’s colonial past and the need for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Political Responses to the Protest
Australian politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have also weighed in on the controversy. Albanese criticized Thorpe’s protest, arguing that it did not meet the standard of behavior expected from parliamentarians. Opposition leader Peter Dutton went further, calling for Thorpe to resign from her position.
In contrast, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended King Charles, praising his service to the Commonwealth and dismissing the notion that Australian politicians should heckle the monarch.
The Reconciliation Debate: A Divided Nation
Lidia Thorpe’s protest has reignited conversations about Australia’s reconciliation journey. While the country has made significant strides in addressing its colonial past and improving relations with Indigenous communities, incidents like this highlight the deep divisions that remain.
Some, like Nova Peris, argue that respectful dialogue is essential for progress, while others, including Thorpe, believe that more radical actions are necessary to bring attention to the ongoing struggles of Indigenous Australians.
Thorpe’s Long-Term Impact on Australian Politics
Regardless of public opinion on Thorpe’s protest, her actions have undeniably placed Indigenous issues at the forefront of national debate. By challenging the monarchy and demanding accountability, Thorpe continues to push the boundaries of Australian political discourse, prompting both praise and criticism.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Indigenous Activism
Lidia Thorpe’s protest against King Charles is a defining moment in the ongoing conversation about Australia’s colonial history and its future. While her actions have divided public opinion, they have also drawn attention to the unresolved issues faced by Indigenous Australians. As the nation grapples with its past, figures like Thorpe will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of reconciliation.