Senator Lidia Thorpe has firmly defended her actions after being suspended from the Senate for tearing up a motion by Pauline Hanson and gesturing at fellow senators. This incident followed a heated exchange in the Senate, where Payman, an Afghan-born senator, accused Hanson of racism. Thorpe labelled Hanson’s actions as ‘disgusting’ and made her feelings clear as she exited the chamber, stating, ‘What Senator Hanson did to Senator Payman was an act of disgusting racism.’ Thorpe expressed that she would not remain silent in the face of racism, declaring, ‘I would do it again.’ The suspension, which lasts for the remainder of the sitting week, has raised questions about how parliament addresses racism. Thorpe criticized being branded as the ‘naughty little Blak girl,’ suggesting that there’s an unfair double standard in how racism is treated for different groups. Government Senate leader Penny Wong responded to the situation, emphasizing that inappropriate behaviour would not be tolerated. Despite this, Thorpe continues to call for more action against racism in parliament, asserting that hate speech should not be allowed in their workplace. She highlighted the need for an open inquiry into racism, claiming that if racism cannot be eliminated from parliament, it cannot be addressed nationally. Thorpe’s suspension will hinder her from advancing a private member’s bill related to genocide, which she stated is suspiciously timed. On the day of her suspension, she made headlines by chanting ‘free Palestine’ in the press gallery. Protests supporting her bill are anticipated on the parliament lawns, where Thorpe plans to be present. She noted, ‘They may not be able to pass the legislation that needs to be passed today because they suspended me for standing up to a racist.’
