Indigenous leaders are expressing their disapproval of an Australian senator’s disruptive incident involving King Charles, following a contentious social media post that briefly featured a violent image of the monarch.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, an Aboriginal spokeswoman, garnered international attention after vocally protesting during a royal event in Canberra, declaring, “you are not my king” and “this is not your land.” Her actions led to her removal from the event, igniting fierce debate over her approach.
While some activists hailed Thorpe’s protest as courageous, prominent Aboriginal figures criticized it as “embarrassing” and disrespectful. Thorpe defended her actions but acknowledged that a cartoon image depicting the King beheaded was inappropriate. She stated that the drawing was posted by a staff member without her consent and was promptly removed upon her awareness.
The backlash intensified with Aboriginal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan stating, “Lidia Thorpe does not speak for me and my people.” Former senator Nova Peris echoed these sentiments, deeming Thorpe’s actions “embarrassing and disappointing,” and stressing the importance of respectful dialogue in Australia’s reconciliation efforts.
Conversely, other Indigenous activists have expressed support for Thorpe. Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, a Bundjalung lawyer, remarked that inviting the monarchy to Australia was inherently disrespectful given its historical context. Thorpe later explained her disruption, stating that multiple requests for a meeting with the King had been ignored, and highlighted the need for acknowledgment of the suffering endured by Indigenous peoples.
The protest has drawn significant political reaction, with various politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemning her actions. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the King, recognizing his role as a vital ambassador for the Commonwealth. Albanese further asserted that Thorpe’s behavior did not reflect the standards expected from parliamentarians, leading opposition leader Peter Dutton to call for her resignation. In response, Thorpe emphasized her commitment to advocacy, stating, “I’ll be here for the next three years so get used to truth-telling.”
