A Shout in Parliament: Lidia Thorpe’s Protest Against King Charles and Australia’s Colonial Past...

Introduction: A Moment of Reckoning in Canberra

A quiet formality was expected when King Charles III addressed the Australian Parliament in Canberra, acknowledging global issues like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a nod to Australia’s First Nations people. But what followed was a searing reminder of the unresolved trauma of colonization.

As the monarch ended his remarks, Senator Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous Australian and a staunch critic of colonial injustice, made headlines worldwide by interrupting the event with a direct, passionate protest.

“This Is Not Your Land”: A Bold Stand

Thorpe approached the stage shouting,

“This is not your country… You committed genocide against our people!”

She was quickly restrained by security, but her voice continued to reverberate:

 “You are not my king!” and “**** the colony.”

This public confrontation wasn’t just political theatre—it was a statement forged by centuries of pain, dispossession, and resilience.

Who Is Lidia Thorpe?

Senator Thorpe belongs to the Djab Wurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara nations. Known for her uncompromising advocacy for Indigenous sovereignty, she has long called for:

A truth-telling process,

A formal treaty with Aboriginal peoples,

Recognition of unceded Indigenous land, and

An end to the ceremonial reverence for the British monarchy in Australian governance.

Her protest is consistent with her long-held view that Australia’s relationship with its First Peoples remains fractured and performative.

Historical Context: The Deep Roots of Colonization

British colonization of Australia began in 1788, and since then:

Indigenous Australians have been dispossessed of their lands,

Suffered through cultural erasure, and

Endured systemic violence, including the infamous Stolen Generations.

Despite becoming a federated nation in 1901, Australia continues to recognize the British monarch as its head of state—a symbolic reminder for many that colonization never truly ended.

Recent Developments: The Voice Referendum and Its Fallout

Thorpe’s protest comes in the wake of the 2023 referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which was ultimately rejected by a majority of Australian voters. The failure was a significant blow to the reconciliation process and exposed the deep divisions over how the country confronts its colonial past.

Many Indigenous leaders, including Thorpe, argued that the referendum was too symbolic and failed to offer real power or land justice. Her call for a treaty before voice has only grown louder since the referendum.

Royal Symbolism: More Than Just Ceremonial

Though King Charles holds no political power in Australia, his visit carried emotional and symbolic weight. For Indigenous communities, the monarchy is not just a ceremonial figure—it is a living emblem of colonial conquest, responsible for generations of suffering.

As Queen Camilla reportedly left the event shortly after Thorpe’s outburst, and King Charles spoke in hushed tones to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the disconnect between ceremonial courtesy and historical accountability became painfully clear.

Australia at a Crossroads

Lidia Thorpe’s protest is not an isolated act—it’s a reflection of growing frustration among Indigenous Australians. While Australia continues to promote itself as a progressive democracy, many of its First Nations people still live under the shadows of systemic inequality.

Thorpe’s voice, though jarring to some, is a necessary disruption. Her demand is simple:

Don’t just acknowledge us—act. Return land. Sign treaties. End colonial pretense.

Conclusion: Disruption as Dialogue

What some saw as an outburst was, in fact, a historic moment of defiance—a reminder that truth and reconciliation are not passive processes. They require uncomfortable truths, public confrontation, and ultimately, political courage.

As Australia continues to debate its future—republic or monarchy, treaty or silence—Lidia Thorpe’s words will remain etched in its conscience:

> “This is not your land.”

Final Thoughts

Australia’s democratic foundations must evolve beyond ceremonial inclusions. It’s time for deep structural change, built on justice, truth, and Indigenous sovereignty. The protest in Canberra might just be the spark that reignites that conversation