A dramatic confrontation unfolds in the Australian Senate as Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe tears up an official censure motion while on live television.
According to Daily Mail, the Senate passed a censure motion against Thorpe, with 46 votes to 12 on Monday morning, following her protest during King Charles' visit to Australia last month, where she accused the monarch of genocide.
The censure motion, moved by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, condemned Thorpe's "disruptive and disrespectful conduct" during the Parliamentary Reception.
Thorpe, who was notably absent during the vote, later appeared on Sky News where she dramatically tore up the document, declaring she would use it as kindling.
During King Charles' October visit to Australia, Thorpe, dressed in a native fur coat, interrupted proceedings by shouting accusations of genocide against the monarch and using explicit language against colonial rule.
The 51-year-old senator's actions prompted immediate backlash from fellow parliamentarians and led to the censure motion.
Thorpe later entered the chamber wearing a necklace with "Not My King" written on it, shouting "shame on you" repeatedly at her colleagues. The Senate speaker, Sue Lines, attempted to restore order, but Thorpe continued her protest, declaring she would repeat her actions if given the opportunity.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi defended Thorpe's actions, criticizing what she called the "bubble of white privilege" in parliament. She emphasized the importance of listening to Indigenous Australian concerns rather than censuring their representatives.
Ms Thorpe addressed reporters after the motion passed, stating:
The censure motion is like that to me. I don't give a damn about censure motion. In fact, I'm going to use it for kindling later on in the week.
The senator reinforced her position on social media platform X, criticizing the major parties' priorities and their defense of the monarchy. She argued that the parliamentary action demonstrated a lack of support for First Peoples and justice for Indigenous Australians.
Foreign Minister Wong expressed reluctance in moving the censure motion but criticized what she described as attention-seeking behavior. The government's position emphasized concerns about actions designed to create social media controversy rather than substantive policy improvements.
The parliamentary confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between Indigenous advocacy and traditional Australian institutions. Thorpe's protest and subsequent defiance of the censure motion illustrate the complex relationship between First Nations representatives and the parliamentary system.
The incident occurred within broader discussions about Indigenous rights and representation in Australian politics. Despite the official rebuke, Thorpe maintains her stance against colonial institutions and promises to continue her vocal opposition to the monarchy's presence in Australia.
