dramatic and unprecedented confrontation at the Australian Parliament House today, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe publicly accused King Charles III of committing genocide against Indigenous Australians during his royal visit. The incident unfolded as the King delivered a speech reflecting on his experiences in Australia, which was abruptly interrupted by Thorpe's impassioned outburst.
As King Charles concluded his address, Senator Thorpe, representing Victoria and a staunch advocate for Indigenous rights, shouted, “You are not my king! Give us our land back!” Her protest escalated as she demanded reparations for historical injustices, stating, “You committed genocide against our people. Return what you stole from us – our bones, our skulls, our babies.”
Thorpe's actions were met with immediate security intervention as she was escorted from the chamber. Despite the disruption, King Charles engaged in a quiet conversation with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while the situation was managed. Thorpe continued her protest outside Parliament, asserting her commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and calling for a treaty between the Crown and First Nations peoples.
In a statement released prior to the event, Thorpe emphasized that any move towards an Australian republic must prioritize a treaty with Indigenous Australians. “As First Peoples, we never surrendered our sovereignty over this land. The Crown invaded this territory and has committed acts of genocide against our communities,” she stated. “King Charles is not the rightful Sovereign of these lands.”
The confrontation has sparked significant debate within Australia regarding the ongoing impact of colonialism and the relationship between Indigenous Australians and the British monarchy. Prime Minister Albanese has previously expressed support for transitioning to a republic and acknowledged that the monarchy's role in Australia is increasingly questioned.
Thorpe’s actions have drawn both support and criticism. While many Indigenous advocates applaud her courage in confronting historical injustices, others have condemned her approach as disrespectful to the royal couple during their visit.
This incident marks a pivotal moment in Australia's ongoing dialogue about reconciliation and the recognition of Indigenous rights within the framework of its constitutional future.