In a dramatic turn of events during King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to Australia, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe staged a vocal protest at a Parliament House reception, shouting “this is not your land” as the royal couple looked on. The incident has reignited fierce debates over Indigenous rights, colonial history, and growing calls for Australia to become a republic.
“You committed genocide”: Thorpe’s impassioned protest
Dressed in a striking possum skin cloak, Senator Thorpe, a proud Gunnai-Gunditjmara woman and outspoken advocate for First Nations people, interrupted the formal proceedings just as the King had finished addressing the gathered MPs and senators. “You committed genocide against our people,” she declared, her voice rising with emotion. “Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us – our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people.”
As security personnel escorted the senator from the Great Hall, she could be heard exclaiming “fuck the colony” – a raw expression of the pain and anger felt by many Indigenous Australians over the nation’s colonial past and present-day injustices. The protest sent shockwaves through the assembled politicians and dignitaries, with reactions ranging from disapproval to admiration.
Reactions divided: “Unfortunate exhibitionism” or “wonderful democracy”?
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was quick to condemn Thorpe’s actions, labeling the protest “unfortunate political exhibitionism.” However, prominent entrepreneur Dick Smith offered a contrasting view, stating that it was a “wonderful part of our democracy” that the senator “won’t be put in jail” for expressing her dissent.
The divided reactions reflect the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding Australia’s relationship with the monarchy and its treatment of Indigenous peoples. While some view the royals as symbolic of oppression and colonialism, others see their visits as an opportunity for reconciliation and progress.
Calls for treaty, truth-telling, and an Australian republic
Senator Thorpe’s protest has amplified calls for Australia to confront its colonial past and forge a new path forward. Many Indigenous leaders and activists are demanding a formal treaty process, truth-telling initiatives, and reparations for the harm inflicted upon First Nations communities.
“It’s time for Australia to grow up and stand on its own two feet,” said a prominent Indigenous academic who wished to remain anonymous. “We need to have honest conversations about our history and take real steps towards healing and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
The incident has also fueled the republican movement, with advocates arguing that Australia should sever its ties to the British monarchy and embrace full independence. Recent polls suggest a growing appetite for constitutional change, particularly among younger generations.
Royal tour continues amidst controversy
Despite the Parliament House controversy, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Australian tour is set to continue as planned. The royals are expected to visit several cities and engage with local communities, though security has been tightened in anticipation of further protests.
The palace has yet to issue an official statement on Senator Thorpe’s actions, but insiders suggest the King and Queen remain committed to fostering positive relationships with all Australians, including Indigenous peoples. However, the incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the tour and raised questions about the monarchy’s long-term future in Australia.
A defining moment for Australia’s identity and future
As the dust settles on Senator Thorpe’s dramatic protest, one thing is clear: Australia stands at a crossroads, grappling with its colonial legacy and striving to forge a more just and inclusive future. The coming days and weeks will likely see intensified debates over Indigenous rights, constitutional reform, and the nation’s relationship with the Crown.
“This is a defining moment for Australia,” remarked a senior government official speaking on condition of anonymity. “We have an opportunity to confront our past, heal old wounds, and build a better future together. It won’t be easy, but it’s a journey we must undertake.”
As King Charles and Queen Camilla continue their tour amidst heightened tensions, all eyes will be on how Australia’s political leaders, Indigenous communities, and the wider public navigate this complex and emotionally charged landscape. Senator Thorpe’s protest may have been brief, but its impact is set to reverberate far beyond the halls of Parliament House, shaping the nation’s identity and destiny for generations to come.
