An Australian senator openly criticised King Charles, declaring, “You are not my King,” and called for a treaty between Australia’s First Nations and the government. Senator Lidia Thorpe waited until the conclusion of Charles’ significant speech at Parliament House in Canberra to voice her accusations of “genocide” against the indigenous population of the Commonwealth nation.
Charles and Camilla have encountered minor protests since their tour of Australia began on Monday. Supporters of First Nations resistance to colonisation have displayed banners reading “decolonise” at various events. As Ms Thorpe was gently escorted from the hall, she shouted, “You are not our King, you are not Sovereign… you have committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us… Our babies, Our people an demands treaty with First Nations. You destroyed our land.” She continued, “Give us a treaty – we want a treaty with this country… This is not your land, this is not your land, you are not my King, you are not our King.”
This incident from an elected official is likely to be seen as a setback for Charles on his first visit to Australia as King. Ms Thorpe, who sits as an independent in the upper house of the Australian parliament, had issued a statement before the royal visit. She said, “As First Peoples, we never ceded our Sovereignty over this land. The Crown invaded this country, has not sought a treaty with First Peoples, and committed Genocide against our people. King Charles is not the legitimate Sovereign of these lands.” She added, “Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. A treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation. A republic without a Treaty must not happen.”
🇦🇺”You committed genocide against our people.Give us back our land! Give back what you stole!
You destroyed our lives!You are against all of us! This is not your country! You are not my king!”:
Australia is not happy about the arrival of the British King Charles III – Senator… pic.twitter.com/gXR4cGXpdV
— Tibo91 (@Tibortibor15) October 21, 2024
Reports indicate that the King remained unperturbed, choosing not to let the incident overshadow what was seen as a splendid day in Canberra. The royal couple greeted hundreds of well-wishers at the national war memorial, including an alpaca that sneezed.
Earlier, hundreds gathered outside Parliament House, hoping to meet the royal couple. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has long aimed to hold a referendum on severing ties with the British monarchy and establishing Australia as a republic. However, these plans were postponed after Australians overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to grant greater political rights to Indigenous people in a referendum last year.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Herald Sun: Senator Lidia Thorpe narrowly avoids arrest after a scuffle with police during an anti-monarchy protest in Canberra, criticizing King Charles’ visit and colonial invasion.(read more)
- The Guardian reports Lidia Thorpe’s call for the Indigenous Voice referendum to be called off, labeling it “window dressing” and criticizing its potential ineffectiveness.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Senator Lidia Thorpe say about King Charles?
She declared, ‘You are not my King,’ and accused him of committing genocide against Australia’s First Nations.
Why did Senator Thorpe call for a treaty?
She demanded a treaty between Australia’s First Nations and the government, citing unceded sovereignty and historical injustices.
How did King Charles react to the criticism?
He remained unperturbed and did not let the incident overshadow his day in Canberra.
What were the banners at the protests saying?
Protesters displayed banners with the word ‘decolonise’ at various events during the royal tour.
What are Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plans regarding the monarchy?
He aims to hold a referendum on establishing Australia as a republic, but plans were postponed after a recent referendum defeat.