In a shocking turn of events, independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has been suspended from the Australian Senate following a heated altercation with Pauline Hanson. The incident occurred during a tense parliamentary debate on Wednesday, where Thorpe appeared to throw paper at Hanson, leading to her removal from the chamber.
Senate Leader Calls Out Abusive Behavior
Government Senate leader Penny Wong moved for Thorpe’s suspension, citing “multiple instances” of “inappropriate, sometimes abusive comments” directed towards other senators. Wong emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated in any workplace, including the Senate.
This behaviour would not be tolerated in any workplace, and we cannot tolerate it in our workplace.
– Penny Wong, Government Senate Leader
Coalition Backs Suspension Motion
Coalition Senate leader Simon Birmingham supported the suspension, calling it a “line in the sand” moment. He accused Thorpe of crossing a line with her actions and criticized the Greens for opposing the motion, claiming they were employing a “shameful double standard.”
Greens Acknowledge Inappropriate Behavior
While the Greens opposed Thorpe’s suspension, Senator Larissa Waters acknowledged that the behavior was inappropriate. However, she argued that the suspension was not a proportionate response and urged everyone to reflect on how they behave, particularly those with white privilege.
Let us all reflect on how we behave, but let those of us who live with white privilege remember that institutionalised racism doesn’t affect us as it does people of colour.
– Larissa Waters, Greens Senator
Hanson Pleased with Suspension
Senator Pauline Hanson expressed her satisfaction with Thorpe’s suspension, claiming she had experienced numerous “barbs” and “jabs” from the independent senator. Hanson accused Thorpe of aggressive behavior and using terms like “colonialists” and “stolen land” towards white senators.
Incident Sparked by Citizenship Debate
The altercation between Thorpe and Hanson occurred during a debate initiated by Hanson, who attempted to have former Labor senator Fatima Payman investigated for an alleged section 44 citizenship issue. Thorpe appeared to rip up a paper copy of Hanson’s motion and throw it in her direction before walking out of the chamber, holding up her middle finger.
Thorpe Suspended Until End of Year
The Senate voted 46-11 in favor of suspending Thorpe from Wednesday night until the end of Thursday, which marks the last scheduled sitting day of the year. Only the Greens opposed the motion, while Labor, the Coalition, One Nation, and other independent senators supported it.
Senate President Condemns Behavior
Senate President Sue Lines condemned Thorpe’s behavior as unacceptable and emphasized that such conduct would not be tolerated in the chamber. The incident has raised concerns about the deteriorating decorum and civility within the Australian Senate.
Implications for Senate Conduct
The suspension of Lidia Thorpe highlights the growing tensions and divisions within the Australian Senate. It raises questions about the need for stricter standards of conduct and the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional environment for all senators, regardless of their political affiliations or ideological differences.
As the Senate concludes its final sitting days of the year, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in fostering constructive debate and collaboration in an increasingly polarized political landscape. It remains to be seen how this event will impact the dynamics and functioning of the Senate in the coming months and years.
