Independent Senator’s protest highlights ongoing calls for Indigenous rights and an Australian republic during royal proceedings
In a dramatic moment during King Charles’ visit to Parliament House, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted the proceedings immediately following the monarch’s speech. Thorpe, a Gunnai, Gunditjmara, and Djab Wurrung woman, made her views clear by shouting, “Give us our land back,” “Not your land,” and “You are not my king. You are not our king.” She further called for a treaty, exclaiming, “F— the colony,” before being escorted out by security.
Thorpe’s outburst underscored her long-standing stance against the monarchy and her demands for Indigenous rights. Earlier in the day, she advocated for Australia to transition into a republic, contingent upon establishing a treaty with Indigenous peoples. “There’s unfinished business that we need to resolve before this country can become a republic,” she stated. “This must happen through treaty.”
The senator emphasized that as the First Peoples of Australia, Indigenous Australians never ceded their sovereignty over the land. She argued that the Crown’s historical actions amount to an invasion and genocide of Indigenous populations, declaring that King Charles lacks legitimacy as the sovereign of the land. “Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. Treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation,” she asserted.
Thorpe’s anti-monarchical sentiments are not new; she has been vocal about her opposition to the colonial legacy of the British Crown in Australia. Her protest at Parliament House coincided with a series of public demonstrations that have gained momentum in recent years, calling for recognition and reconciliation for Indigenous communities.
Outside the Australian War Memorial, Thorpe reportedly engaged in a scuffle with a police officer, further showcasing the tension surrounding the royal visit. During the event, she also turned her back to the royal party while “God Save the King” was played, a gesture reflecting her disdain for the monarchy.
As King Charles and Queen Camilla continued their royal tour of Australia, Thorpe’s actions have sparked discussions about the future of the Australian republic and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition.
