Senator Lidia Thorpe has expressed no regret over the actions that led to her suspension from the Senate, asserting that her punishment stems from her vocal stance against racism. Thorpe, a former Greens senator, faced extraordinary suspension for the remainder of the sitting year after an incident in which she tore up a motion presented by Senator Pauline Hanson, who questioned the eligibility of Senator Fatima Payman to sit in parliament. Following this, a series of events unfolded, including accusations of racism, leading to Thorpe’s suspension voted on by the government, opposition, One Nation, and several crossbenchers.
In a recent interview with the ABC and Channel Nine, Thorpe lamented the Senate’s lack of concern regarding racism, stating, “They are quick to punish the black woman here all the time for calling it out.” She emphasized her commitment to standing against racism, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on her over the past week. Thorpe referred to Hanson as a ‘convicted’ racist, criticizing her actions and remarks that she deems racially taunting.
The controversy escalated when Senator Hanson was found to have racially vilified Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi in a tweet, prompting her to appeal the court’s ruling. In response to Thorpe’s comments, Hanson threatened legal action against media outlets that repeat what she claims are false allegations.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher underscored the need for the Senate to take a stand against Thorpe’s behavior, describing it as aggressive and unacceptable in a parliamentary setting. She stated, “If people saw what happened yesterday, they would not tolerate it in their workplace.”
Thorpe articulated her belief that there exists a double standard regarding acceptable behavior within the Senate, pointing out the racial dynamics at play. She claimed, “We’re the ones that are the naughty little black girl,” insisting that she would continue to speak out against racism despite the label.
In a statement, Hanson expressed that the parliament’s integrity had been compromised, asserting that representatives must uphold respect for the country’s institutions and people. The Senate has since voted to conduct an internal inquiry into racism, a move Thorpe supports as a crucial step toward addressing these issues.
Despite her suspension, Senator Thorpe managed to enter the Senate chamber from the press gallery, raising her fist and declaring “Free Palestine” before departing on her own accord. This incident reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding race and representation in Australian politics, as Thorpe continues to advocate for change and recognition of racism within the parliamentary system.
