Senator Lidia Thorpe has expressed that she does not regret her actions that led to her recent suspension from the Senate, asserting that her punishment was a response to her outspoken stance against racism. Thorpe, a former member of the Greens, made headlines after she tore up a motion presented by One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson, who questioned the eligibility of Senator Fatima Payman to serve in parliament. This incident ignited a heated debate when Payman accused Hanson of racism, a claim she later had to retract.
In a dramatic vote, the Senate, including members from the government, opposition, and crossbenchers, collectively decided to suspend Thorpe for the remainder of the sitting year. Thorpe, reflecting on the incident during interviews with the ABC and Channel Nine, lamented that the Senate appears more focused on punishing her than addressing the underlying issue of racism.
“They are quick to punish the black woman here all the time for calling it out, but I am responding to racism, and that is what they need to focus on,” Thorpe stated, highlighting the psychological toll of facing racism in the chamber. She described the week as distressing, stating, “It’s been a horrible week, and when you’re subjected to racism … I stand up against it. I ripped up a piece of paper.”
Thorpe did not hold back in her criticism of Senator Hanson, labeling her a ‘convicted’ racist for her history of racially charged comments, including a recent incident where Hanson was found to have vilified Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi on social media.
In response to the uproar, Hanson has indicated her intention to appeal a court’s civil ruling regarding her comments about Faruqi, while also threatening media outlets that repeat Thorpe’s claims with legal action.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher defended the Senate’s decision to suspend Thorpe, describing her behavior as a pattern of aggression that could not be tolerated. “Nobody enjoyed what happened yesterday. Senator Hanson, whether you agree with her or not, should not be aggressively approached in the chamber with paper thrown in her face,” Gallagher remarked.
Thorpe, however, believes the incident underscores the need for an inquiry into racism within parliament. She pointed out the double standards she perceives in how behavior is judged in the Senate, arguing that people of color are often unfairly labeled as disruptive. “I will not sit there and be silent when people of colour are being attacked with racism,” she asserted.
Hanson responded by stating that the credibility of parliament was at stake, emphasizing that representatives should honor their roles and the institutions they serve. Despite her suspension, Thorpe made a bold return to the Senate, entering from the press gallery and raising a fist while shouting “Free Palestine,” before leaving again voluntarily.
