In a dramatic display of protest, Indigenous Senator Lydia Thorpe confronted King Charles III during his recent visit to Australia, asserting that the land he stands on is not his.
The encounter took place in Canberra, where the British royal attended a parliamentary reception, but it quickly escalated into a heated exchange that highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding colonial history and Indigenous rights.
As King Charles made his way through the reception, Thorpe’s voice rang out, accusing the British monarchy of committing genocide against Indigenous peoples.
“You committed genocide against our people,” she declared passionately.
Her words struck a chord, echoing the sentiments of many who feel that the legacy of colonialism still looms large over Australia.
She demanded justice, shouting, “Give us what you stole from us—our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people.
You destroyed our land.
Give us a treaty.
We want a treaty.”
The call for a treaty is particularly significant, as no formal agreement has ever been established between the British colonizers and Australia’s Indigenous communities.
As security personnel intervened to escort Thorpe away, she continued to assert, “This is not your land.
You are not my king.”
The scene underscored the deep-rooted frustrations within Indigenous communities regarding historical injustices and the ongoing struggle for recognition and reparations.
Thorpe, known for her bold activism, has a history of high-profile protests.
Since her election to the Senate in 2022, she has been vocal about her opposition to colonial symbols and figures.
Notably, she faced restrictions on referring to the former monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in a manner that acknowledged her colonial legacy.
Her past protests include lying in front of a police float during Sydney’s Mardi Gras and even facing a lifetime ban from a Melbourne strip club due to her disruptive behavior.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has expressed a desire for Australia to transition into a republic, welcomed King Charles with a nod to the complexities of the nation’s relationship with the monarchy.
In his speech, he remarked, “You have shown great respect for Australians, even during times when we have debated the future of our own constitutional arrangements.”
Yet, he also hinted at the need for change, stating, “But nothing stands still.”
On the other side of the political spectrum, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, a staunch supporter of maintaining the monarchy, noted the mixed feelings among attendees at the reception.
With a touch of humor, he quipped about the preparations made by those who support a republic, saying, “People have had haircuts, people have shined shoes, suits have been pressed and that’s just the Republicans.”
His comments reflected the ongoing debate about the monarchy’s role in Australia’s future.
Adding to the complexity of the royal visit, all six state governments in Australia opted out of attending the reception, citing other commitments.
This decision was seen by many as a subtle snub to the royal couple, highlighting the growing sentiment for an Australian head of state among various political factions.