Senator Lidia Thorpe has expressed no regret over her recent suspension from the Senate, asserting that her actions were a response to racism. The former Greens senator was suspended for the remainder of the parliamentary year following a heated incident where she tore up a motion by Senator Pauline Hanson. This altercation arose after Senator Hanson questioned the eligibility of Senator Fatima Payman to sit in parliament, leading to accusations of racism. In a vote that saw support from both the government and opposition, Thorpe was suspended until Thursday night, the last sitting day of the year.
In interviews with ABC and Channel Nine, Thorpe lamented that the Senate is quick to punish those who speak out against racism, stating, “They are quick to punish the black woman here all the time for calling it out.” She emphasized the need for a focus on racism rather than the punishment of those who confront it. Thorpe described her week as horrible, stating that she will not remain silent in the face of racial attacks.
The controversy deepened as Senator Hanson, who has previously faced accusations of racial vilification, announced plans to appeal a court ruling related to comments made about Senator Mehreen Faruqi. Following Thorpe’s interviews, Hanson issued a warning to media outlets about repeating claims she found false, demanding an apology.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher defended the Senate’s decision to suspend Thorpe, citing a pattern of disruptive behavior that escalated to physical aggression. Gallagher stated that such behavior would not be tolerated in any workplace. Thorpe, however, argues that her actions reflect a necessary response to the ongoing racism within the parliamentary system, calling for an inquiry into the issue. She criticized the double standards in how behavior is judged in the Senate, stating that people of color face undue scrutiny and disrespect.
In a statement, Senator Hanson claimed that Thorpe’s actions disrespected the institution of parliament, emphasizing the privilege of representing Australians. The Senate has since voted to refer an inquiry into racism to an internal committee. Despite her suspension, Thorpe managed to enter the Senate from the press gallery, raising a fist and shouting “Free Palestine” before leaving voluntarily. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions regarding race and representation in Australian politics.
