Senator Lidia Thorpe has firmly defended her actions following her suspension from the Senate after a dramatic incident where she tore up a motion by Pauline Hanson and displayed her middle finger to fellow senators. The incident was sparked by a heated exchange in the chamber, with Payman, a senator originally from Afghanistan, accusing Hanson of racism. Thorpe voiced her outrage, calling Hanson’s behaviour ‘disgusting’ as she exited the chamber. In an interview with ABC News, Thorpe expressed her resolve, stating, ‘What Senator Hanson did to Senator Payman was an act of disgusting racism, questioning Senator Payman’s legitimacy to be in this place. That is an act of racism.’ She further declared her willingness to repeat her actions if necessary, emphasizing the need to stand up against racism. ‘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 remarked. Thorpe’s suspension, which lasts for the remainder of the sitting week, has raised questions about the parliamentary response to racism. She criticized the quick punishment of Indigenous women for speaking out, referring to the stereotype of the ‘naughty little Blak girl.’ Government Senate leader Penny Wong responded to the incident, highlighting concerns about Thorpe’s past behaviour, stating that all Australians deserve a safe working environment and that such conduct would not be tolerated in any workplace. The motion for Thorpe’s suspension passed with a vote of 45 to 11, with the Greens Party opposing it in support of their colleague. Thorpe challenged Wong’s remarks and urged the government to take stronger action against racism in parliament, pointing out that Hanson’s actions, which included wearing a burqa and promoting hate speech, should also be condemned. Thorpe argued for the necessity of an open inquiry into racism within the parliamentary system, stressing that inaction would perpetuate colonial violence against Black and Brown individuals in Australia. She vowed to continue her activism until the issue is acknowledged seriously. The Senate has agreed to refer a proposal for an inquiry into racism to an internal committee. Notably, Thorpe’s suspension means she cannot advance a private member’s bill regarding genocide set for discussion on Thursday, a bill intended to strip the attorney-general of the power to block prosecutions for genocide or war crimes. Thorpe questioned the timing of her suspension, suggesting it was strategically placed to hinder her legislative efforts. On Thursday morning, she made a notable entrance into the Senate press gallery, chanting ‘free Palestine’ before leaving the chamber. Protests supporting her bill are anticipated on the parliament lawns, and Thorpe has indicated she will participate. ‘They may not be able to pass the legislation that needs to be passed today because they suspended me from participating, and they suspended me for standing up to a racist,’ she concluded.
