In a Facebook post responding to her recent censure by Parliament, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe criticised the major political parties for prioritising loyalty to the British monarchy over justice for indigenous Australians.
“This censure motion shows where the major parties priorities lie. They don’t stand with First Peoples in this country. They stand against justice for our people, preferring instead to defend a foreign king, rather than listen to the truth,” she wrote.
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She also shared another post, writing: “This censure motion is a joke. It’s an attempt to shut me down, and to shut down Truth-Telling. But I will not be silenced, erased or removed. I will continue to call out racial violence, colonial occupation, and the ongoing genocide experienced by First Peoples’ in this country and across the world. As a Sovereign Gunai, Gunditjmara, and Djab Wurrung woman, I will continue to fight and stand for justice.”
No regrets over protest
Thorpe, who was reprimanded for heckling King Charles during his October visit, stated she had no regrets about her protest and would do it again. She emphasised the need for Australia to confront its colonial past and end the ongoing mistreatment of First Peoples. “It is time this country reckons with its history, and puts a stop to the continuing Genocide on First Peoples,” she wrote.
Solidarity with indigenous communities worldwide
Thorpe also expressed solidarity with Indigenous and colonised communities worldwide, including the Kanak people in New Caledonia and Samoans who challenged King Charles during his visit. She reiterated her call for accountability for the British Crown’s historical wrongs, including crimes against humanity and genocide. Thorpe said she would continue to speak out for justice and called for a treaty to address the rights and wrongs of Australia's colonial history.
“I will not be silent. The truth is, this colony is built on stolen land, stolen wealth and stolen lives.
The British Crown committed heinous crimes against the First Peoples of this country, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and failure to prevent genocide. The Crown must be held accountable for these crimes,” she wrote.
Published: 18 Nov 2024, 08:27 am IST
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