An Indigenous Australian senator has heightened her criticism of King Charles III, once again accusing the British monarch of being complicit in the “genocide” against Australia’s First Peoples. Senator Lidia Thorpe declared that she will not be silenced, despite facing backlash for her confrontation with the king at a parliamentary reception.
Thorpe’s comments came after she shouted at King Charles III on Monday during the reception, accusing British colonizers of taking Indigenous land and bones. Despite being escorted out, Thorpe remained steadfast in her convictions during a television interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She expressed her commitment to seeking justice for Indigenous Australians and challenging the colonial system that seeks to silence voices like hers.
Speaking from Melbourne, Thorpe emphasised the importance of Indigenous sovereignty and condemned the ongoing injustices faced by Australia’s First Nations peoples. She called out the British monarchy for holding onto stolen Indigenous remains and criticised the systemic issues that perpetuate social disadvantage among Indigenous communities. Thorpe stressed that mere words of reconciliation were insufficient without genuine actions to address historical and ongoing injustices.
At the parliamentary reception, security officials intervened as Thorpe attempted to approach the king, who was engaged in conversation with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Despite the interruption, Thorpe’s unwavering stance on seeking justice and recognition for Indigenous Australians remained clear.
Following his visit to Australia, King Charles III proceeded to Samoa to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Thorpe’s outspoken criticism underscores the ongoing calls for acknowledgement, restitution, and reconciliation for the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians.