King Charles delivered a keynote speech at Parliament House in Canberra, urging Australia to take a leading role in the global fight against climate change. The monarch, aged 75, praised the Indigenous peoples as the “traditional owners of the lands” who have cared for the continent for 65,000 years. He emphasised Australia’s potential to be a trailblazer in combating climate change on a global scale within the Commonwealth.
During his speech, Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, 51, staged a dramatic protest, accusing the royal family of genocide and demanding a treaty to address historical injustices. Despite the interruption, the event proceeded without further disruption. Lidia Thorpe, known for her advocacy for Indigenous rights, had left the Australian Greens party in 2023 due to disagreements over Indigenous rights advocacy.
King Charles reflected on his time studying in Australia in 1966, noting the country’s evolution into one of the most multicultural nations. He commended Australia’s resilience in the face of natural disasters, acknowledging the impact of climate change on such events. The King highlighted the importance of Australia’s leadership in climate initiatives, citing the nation’s natural resources for sustainable living.
The subject of Australia’s continued Commonwealth membership has sparked debate ahead of King Charles’s visit. Republican groups have called for his visit to be a “farewell to Oz” tour, with protests planned. Lidia Thorpe used the opportunity to push for a treaty between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, stating it must be resolved before Australia becomes a republic.
Thorpe’s protest underscored the ongoing discussions surrounding historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Australia, bringing attention to the need for reconciliation and a treaty. King Charles’s speech, despite the disruption, highlighted the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change and protect biodiversity globally.
The clash between tradition and calls for justice underscores the complex dynamics at play in Australia’s political landscape, as Indigenous voices demand recognition and reconciliation while the monarchy faces scrutiny for its historical role. The events at Parliament House serve as a reminder of the ongoing conversations necessary to address past injustices and move towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for all Australians.