November 28th 2024.
Lidia Thorpe, a senator of Indigenous descent, has recently made headlines after being suspended from the Senate for confronting Pauline Hanson and speaking out against racism within the government. In a passionate speech to a crowd of supporters outside Parliament House, Thorpe expressed her frustration at being silenced and labeled as a troublemaker.
"I've been given the day off today. Suspended and censored," Thorpe stated, addressing the crowd. She wore her suspension as a badge of honor, refusing to let it deter her from fighting for justice for her people. She was set to introduce a private member's bill on genocide to the Senate, but due to her suspension, it will now have to wait until 2025.
Thorpe made it clear that she is not just an individual, but a representation of her ancestors and her community. She emphasized that her Senate spot belongs to her people, and she will not stop until they receive the justice they deserve. "Forget about Lidia Thorpe, I am guided by my ancestors, guided by my people," she declared.
The Indigenous senator also addressed the issue of racism within the Senate, stating that she will not allow "racists, convicted or not" to tell her or any other person of color that they do not belong. She specifically called out Pauline Hanson, questioning her legitimacy as a senator and jokingly asking if she has started paying rent yet.
Thorpe's suspension came after an altercation with Hanson, where she threw papers towards her and stormed out of the Senate with her middle finger raised at her colleagues. She described the parliament as a "violent workplace" and expressed her frustration with working with mainly white men in suits. Earlier in the day, she had also caused a disruption by shouting pro-Palestine slogans from the press gallery.
Despite facing criticism and backlash, Thorpe remains steadfast in her fight for justice and equality for her people. She refuses to let the actions of others silence her or stop her from speaking out against injustice. As she concluded her speech, she reminded the crowd that the phrase "Free, free Palestine!" is a call for freedom and should not be interpreted as anti-Semitic. She also called out the Senate for previously condemning its use, stating that it shows their lack of understanding and support for marginalized communities.
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