During his recent visit to Australia, King Charles III faced unexpected and intense protests from Indigenous activists, particularly Senator Lidia Thorpe, who made headlines with her confrontational remarks during the royal address at Parliament House. Thorpe, donning a traditional possum-skin cloak, expressed her discontent over Australia's colonial legacy and called for the return of Indigenous lands alongside the recognition of their rights.
On the day of the royal visit, Charles delivered his speech at Parliament, underscoring his commitment to reconciliation with Australia's First Nations peoples. His address was intended to highlight his long-standing interest and respect for the culture and heritage of the Indigenous populations, yet it was overshadowed by Thorpe's powerful interruption. She yelled, "You are not our king! You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back, give us what you stole from us - our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people!" This startling outburst drew the attention of attendees and caused quite the scene, leading to her swift removal by security personnel.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sat beside the King and Queen during this tumultuous moment. Earlier, he had complimented King Charles for his dedication to fostering dialogue and healing concerning the relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Albanese's praise, characterized by its emphasis on mutual respect, stood starkly against Thorpe’s demands for justice and acknowledgment of historical injustices.
Following her removal from the event, Senator Thorpe published a statement detailing her intentions. She aimed to present King Charles with what she termed a "notice of complicity" concerning the genocide of Indigenous peoples. This action was not merely spontaneous; it was part of her broader advocacy for truth-telling about Australia's history and colonial impacts on Indigenous communities. Thorpe referenced previous statements made by Krauatungalung Elder Uncle Robbie Thorpe about King Charles being charged for genocide, which heightened the gravity of her disruption.
Thorpe articulated her frustration with the monarchy's perceived indifference to the pain suffered by Aboriginal peoples since colonization. Her choice of words during the protest reflected the anger and sorrow of many Indigenous Australians who see the royal family as symbolic of historical oppression. The senator’s demands echo the longstanding calls for treaties and reparations aimed at acknowledging and righting past wrongs.
This incident is not isolated. It reflects broader tensions and movements within Australia as communities seek acknowledgment and rectification of historical grievances. Indigenous activist movements have gained momentum, particularly following the 2021 referendum discussions surrounding the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The contentious nature of these discussions has polarized public opinion, with some advocating for greater inclusion and recognition, and others expressing resistance to constitutional changes.
King Charles's visit, which was his first to Australia as monarch, unfortunately became the stage for highlighting these unresolved issues rather than celebrating the crown’s historic ties with the country. While many had hoped the visit would pave the way for positive dialogue, it instead opened old wounds. Thorpe’s protest and the reactions from the public and media demonstrate the urgency of addressing reconciliation and Indigenous rights seriously. Thorpe's loud declaration was not just about her personal grievances but voiced broader frustrations concerning Australia's refusal to confront its colonial past.
The reaction to Thorpe's actions has been mixed. While many have praised her for bravely standing up for Indigenous rights and holding the monarchy accountable, others have criticized her actions as disrespectful during what was meant to be a ceremonial occasion. This divide reflects the complicated relationship many Australians have with their history and the monarchy itself.
Moving forward, the incident has sparked renewed discussions on how Australia can seriously engage with its Indigenous people. There is growing pressure on government officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to prioritize Indigenous rights and the pursuit of treaties to rectify historical injustices.
Senator Thorpe, who has been vocal about Indigenous issues since she took office, highlighted the need for transparency and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of truth-telling as Australia navigates its complicated identity and seeks to heal the wounds inflicted by centuries of colonial rule.
Thorpe’s passionate protest serves as a potent reminder of the unresolved grievances faced by Indigenous Australians and the necessity for recognizing their voice and presence within the fabric of Australian society. With King Charles now more aware of these pressing issues, the hope among many is for future meaningful dialogue and action.
