The attendance record of Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has come under scrutiny recently, with official data revealing she has missed a significant portion of Senate sittings and votes since the 2022 election. However, in a shocking revelation, Senator Thorpe has defended her absences, citing a violent assault that left her with severe spinal injuries requiring surgery.
Thorpe’s Attendance Record Raises Questions
According to Senate records, Lidia Thorpe has been absent for 11 days without obtaining leave from the Senate in the current 47th parliament. This is more unexplained absences than any other senator during this term. Furthermore, Thorpe has only been present for 572 out of 1238 Senate divisions (votes), a mere 46.2% attendance rate.
While senators may miss sittings and votes for various reasons, such as illness, official travel, or other commitments, the extent of Thorpe’s absences has drawn attention. In response to media inquiries about her attendance, the senator issued a statement addressing the matter head-on.
Shocking Assault Revelation
“Earlier this year, I was assaulted at a public event,” Thorpe disclosed in her statement. “I sustained serious nerve and spinal injuries in my neck, which required spinal surgery and a plate to be inserted.” She went on to explain that her doctor had ordered her not to travel and to take time off work during her recovery from the surgery.
The senator emphasized that she would have preferred to keep this matter private but felt compelled to address it given the questions surrounding her attendance record. “I am committed to my responsibilities and duties as an Independent Senator, and my small team is incredibly hard-working and diligent,” Thorpe asserted.
Leave Arrangements and Voting
While Thorpe has been absent for 11 days without obtaining leave, she was granted permission for a further 40 days of leave in the current parliament. This is the second-highest amount of official leave among senators, surpassed only by former senator Patrick Dodson, who took 54 days of leave while battling cancer.
Thorpe also clarified that even when not physically present in parliament, she has remained engaged with the legislative agenda. “When I haven’t been present in parliament, I have still been engaged with and following the legislative agenda, and ensuring that my voting positions are reflected in the vote outcome through pairing arrangements,” she explained.
Other Senators’ Absences
While Thorpe’s attendance has garnered attention, other senators have also taken unexplained absences. Queensland One Nation senator Pauline Hanson has missed seven days without leave, and Tasmanian independent senator Jacqui Lambie has been absent for six days. Senators from various parties, including the Liberal National Party, Liberal Party, Greens, and other independents, have also taken smaller numbers of unexplained days off.
Moving Forward
In light of her revelation, Thorpe stated that she would rectify the situation regarding her unexplained absences when parliament resumes. “This isn’t an issue,” she said. “There is no time limit on seeking leave. My office will deal with this in the next parliament sitting weeks.”
As the political sphere digests this new information, it remains to be seen how Thorpe’s colleagues and the public will respond to her disclosures. The senator’s openness about her assault and injuries may prompt a broader discussion about the challenges and personal struggles faced by elected officials, often hidden from public view.
The revelations surrounding Lidia Thorpe’s Senate attendance serve as a stark reminder that behind the political personas, our representatives are human beings grappling with their own trials and tribulations. As the nation watches this story unfold, it is an opportunity for empathy, understanding, and a renewed commitment to supporting those who serve in public office.
