Senator Lidia Thorpe has firmly reiterated her stance following her suspension from the Senate after a dramatic incident where she ripped up a motion by Pauline Hanson and made an obscene gesture towards her fellow senators. The uproar was ignited when Senator Payman, who emigrated from Afghanistan, accused Hanson of racism, prompting Thorpe to label Hanson as ‘disgusting’ while exiting the chamber with a middle finger salute. In an interview with ABC News, Thorpe expressed her determination not to remain silent in the face of racism, stating, ‘What Senator Hanson did to Senator Payman was an act of disgusting racism.’ She emphasized, ‘I would do it again.’ Thorpe’s actions led to her being suspended for the remainder of the sitting week, which she believes is indicative of the parliamentary response to racism. She criticized the labeling of her as the ‘naughty little Blak girl’, highlighting the double standards in how racism is addressed in parliament. According to Government Senate leader Penny Wong, Thorpe has previously made inappropriate comments towards other senators, which is deemed unacceptable in any workplace. The motion to suspend her was passed with 45 votes to 11, as the Greens Party opposed it in solidarity with Thorpe. Thorpe did not hold back in her critique of Wong’s remarks, insisting that the government must take stronger action against hate speech in parliament. She pointed out that Hanson has a history of making racist remarks, and called for an open inquiry into racism within the parliamentary system. The suspension will hinder Thorpe from presenting a private member’s bill concerning genocide, which she views as a significant issue. She expressed skepticism about the timing of her suspension, questioning its coincidence with the bill’s scheduled vote. Thorpe made headlines again as she chanted ‘free Palestine’ in the Senate gallery before leaving, indicating her continued activism. Protests are anticipated in support of her bill, with Thorpe vowing to be present, asserting that her suspension should not impede the fight against racism and the push for necessary legislation.
