Independent Senator reveals serious injuries from an alleged assault, prompting scrutiny over her recent absence and a challenge to her Senate eligibility

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has made a shocking revelation, alleging that she was assaulted at a public event earlier this year, which resulted in severe injuries and her extended absence from the Senate. The senator disclosed these details following inquiries from The Australian regarding her prolonged absence during parliamentary sessions. While she expressed a desire to keep the matter private, Thorpe felt compelled to share the information amidst mounting media pressure.

In a statement shared with the ABC, Thorpe detailed the nature of her injuries, revealing that she sustained serious nerve and spinal damage in her neck, which necessitated surgery and the insertion of a plate. “There’s a scar on the front of my neck from this,” she stated, highlighting the physical toll of the incident. Thorpe explained that her doctor had advised her against travelling and attending parliament during her recovery. “I hadn’t yet decided whether to disclose this publicly. The matter is still under police investigation. I would have preferred to keep this matter private and I will not be commenting on it further at this stage,” she added.

While a spokesperson confirmed that the alleged assault occurred at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), further details remain undisclosed, as the incident is still under investigation by law enforcement. The revelation has intensified scrutiny over Thorpe’s position in the Senate, particularly following her recent admission of a verbal misstep during her affirmation of allegiance.

The Coalition seized on this opportunity, formally requesting Senate President Sue Lines to assess the validity of Thorpe’s affirmation after she accidentally referred to the Queen’s “hairs and successors” instead of “heirs and successors.” This mispronunciation has raised questions about her eligibility to serve in the Senate. Opposition Senate leader Simon Birmingham expressed concern in a letter to the Senate President, stating that Thorpe’s failure to properly affirm her allegiance could jeopardise her standing within the chamber. “The Coalition believes this matter must be resolved so that the integrity and authority of the Senate is maintained,” Birmingham stated.

Despite the mispronunciation, Senate President Lines had initially deemed Thorpe’s affirmation valid. However, she retains the authority to revisit this determination if prompted by a senator. Birmingham further requested amendments to the standing orders governing senators’ conduct to address “disruptive and disrespectful protests by senators,” an apparent reference to Thorpe’s recent behaviour.

Thorpe has faced scrutiny following her interruption of a royal reception earlier this week, prompting Labour’s manager of Senate business, Katy Gallagher, to indicate a willingness to discuss potential disciplinary measures for the senator. Yet, Gallagher clarified that no discussions had taken place thus far.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in on Thorpe’s recent actions, condemning her outburst at the royal event as “rude, outrageous and entirely inappropriate.” The Prime Minister’s remarks reflect broader concerns about Thorpe’s conduct and its implications for her role within the Senate.

As the situation develops, Thorpe remains a contentious figure, with her allegations of assault and the ensuing controversy regarding her Senate eligibility creating ripples in the political landscape. The forthcoming police investigation into the alleged assault and the Coalition’s challenge to her affirmation could significantly impact her standing and the broader dynamics within the Senate.

With the eyes of both the public and her fellow senators focused on her, Lidia Thorpe now finds herself at a pivotal crossroads. Her claims of injury and the ongoing scrutiny over her actions may define her legacy in Australian politics, as she navigates the complex interplay of personal hardship and public accountability.