November 18th 2024.
The Senate recently took action against Lidia Thorpe and fellow senator Ralph Babet for their respective actions. Thorpe, a proud Gunnai, Gunditjmara, and Djab Wurrung woman, was censured for her protest against King Charles last month, while Babet received the same reprimand for his use of racist language.
During the Senate session, Thorpe was condemned for her "disrespectful and disruptive" behavior, but she remained steadfast in her convictions. In fact, she stated to reporters that she would not be deterred from future protests, even if it meant standing against the colonizing king once again. She made it clear that her allegiance lies with the First Peoples, the true sovereigns of the land.
In a show of defiance, Thorpe tore up the censure motion and declared that she did not care about it. She even joked about using it as kindling later on. However, she expressed disappointment in receiving the same reprimand as Babet, who had made "very racist and disrespectful comments."
Thorpe had interrupted the session when King Charles addressed Parliament House, demanding that he give back their land and calling for a treaty. She was eventually escorted out of the Great Hall, shouting expletives towards the colony. Meanwhile, Babet had used discriminatory language in his tweets, which were deemed "repugnant" and "hateful" by senior opposition and government figures.
Neither Thorpe nor Babet were present in the Senate when they were censured. They were both running late due to flight delays and cancellations. This led to criticism from Nationals senator Matt Canavan, who believed that they should have been given the opportunity to defend themselves.
Despite the censure having little practical impact, it may prevent Thorpe from joining a parliamentary visit to Fiji and Tuvalu. This decision has sparked further controversy and has been seen as a cheapening of the censure process.
Overall, the Senate's actions have highlighted the ongoing issues of racism and discrimination in Australian society. While the censure may not have significant consequences, it serves as a reminder that all Australians, regardless of race, religion, gender, sex, or sexuality, should be valued and welcomed in our society.
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