Lidia Thorpe's Senate Meltdown: Genocide Fury or Calculated Chaos?

Senator Lidia Thorpe erupts in the Senate, accusing Israel of 'genocide' and storming out. Critics call it 'political grandstanding,' but is it a desperate cry or a calculated stunt? The nation is divided.
By Newsroom | Politics, Australia |

Canberra, ACT – The halls of Australia's Parliament House buzzed with an all-too-familiar scene this week: Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe dramatically storming out of the Senate chamber. Her defiant exit, fuelled by accusations of "genocide" against Israel and a refusal to acknowledge a parliamentary invitation, has once again ignited fierce debate. But beneath the surface of this high-profile protest, a crucial question lingers: is this a genuine cry against injustice, or a calculated performance designed to capture headlines and court controversy?

The tension peaked during a debate on a Greens motion to condemn the Albanese Government's invitation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog. As Labor Senator Anthony Chisholm explained the government's stance, Thorpe's fury erupted. She declared, "There is no pride in genocide." Her abrupt departure, reportedly after accusing Israel of committing genocide, left many in the chamber stunned and drew sharp criticism, with Liberal Senate Leader Michaelia Cash labelling the Greens' actions as "political grandstanding." This isn't the first time Thorpe has used such dramatic tactics. Just months prior, she was censured for her protest during the visit of King Charles, where she famously declared, "This is not your land, you are not my King."

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Lidia Thorpe explodes and storms out on first Senate sitting day of the year: 'No pride in genocide' - 1

The recurring pattern of disruption and strong condemnation begs a deeper look into the motivations and consequences of Senator Thorpe's actions.

A History of Provocation and Protest

Senator Thorpe's political career has been punctuated by a series of attention-grabbing protests and confrontations, often on issues of Indigenous rights and foreign policy. Her current independent status, after leaving the Greens in 2023, means she operates with a degree of freedom but also faces intensified scrutiny for her methods.

Lidia Thorpe explodes and storms out on first Senate sitting day of the year: 'No pride in genocide' - 2

  • November 2024: Thorpe was suspended from the Senate for throwing papers at One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and was later seen disrupting proceedings from the press gallery, yelling pro-Palestinian slogans. This was her second breach of parliamentary rules in quick succession, leading to her being barred from the chamber for the final sitting day of the year. (Source: SMH, 9News)

  • November 2024: Earlier in the same month, she was censured for her protest during King Charles's visit, where she disrupted a ceremony with her anti-monarchy and anti-colonial statements. (Source: The Guardian, BBC)

  • December 2021: Following an arson attack on Old Parliament House, Thorpe tweeted, "Seems like the colonial system is burning down." This comment drew widespread criticism and questions about her judgment. (Source: Wikipedia)

  • February 2023: Thorpe temporarily blocked the Sydney Mardi Gras parade by lying in front of a float, stating, "Today, we still face violence from police." While not charged by police, the incident highlighted her willingness to engage in direct action. (Source: The Guardian)

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These incidents, while varied in their specifics, reveal a consistent theme: Lidia Thorpe often employs tactics that push the boundaries of parliamentary decorum and public expectation. The question remains whether these actions are effectively advancing her stated goals or simply alienating potential allies and reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Incident TypeDate (Approximate)ActionStated Reason/ContextOutcome
Senate DisruptionNov 2024Threw papers, disrupted proceedings from press galleryCondemning Israeli President's visit, Pro-Palestine slogansSuspended from Senate for the day/year. Censure from colleagues.
Royal Visit ProtestNov 2024Interrupted ceremony, declared "You are not my King."Anti-monarchy, Indigenous sovereigntyCensure motion passed. Criticism from some Indigenous elders.
Parliament Arson TweetDec 2021Tweeted about "colonial system burning"Reaction to Old Parliament House fireWidespread criticism.
Mardi Gras BlockadeFeb 2023Lay down in front of Mardi Gras floatProtesting police violence against First PeoplesNot charged by police. Public booing.
Greens Deputy LeaderOct 2022Resigned portfolio after controversy/review of office cultureUnspecified internal issues, relationship concernsResigned Deputy Leadership role.

The 'Genocide' Claim: A Bold Accusation

Senator Thorpe's latest outburst centres on her strong condemnation of Israel's actions, which she equates to "genocide." This is a grave accusation, and one that is highly contentious in international discourse.

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Lidia Thorpe explodes and storms out on first Senate sitting day of the year: 'No pride in genocide' - 3

  • Her participation in a Greens motion to condemn the invitation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlights a deep division within the Australian Parliament regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • The Greens, while not always echoing Thorpe's exact phrasing, have been vocal in their criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza.

  • Thorpe's rhetoric goes beyond simple criticism; she uses the term "genocide," a legally and politically charged word.

Her private senators' bill, aimed at stripping the Attorney-General of the power to block prosecutions for genocide and other atrocity crimes, is a key piece of legislation she is championing. (Source: Brave)

"My Bill was scheduled for debate today. Today, grassroots community organisations are gathering to call on the Albanese Government and the coalition to pass the Bill. Senator Thorpe’s Private Senators Bill would strip the Attorney-General of his power to block the prosecution of Genocide and other atrocity crimes in Australian Courts." (Source: Brave)

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This bill, if passed, would represent a significant shift in how Australia handles international war crimes. However, the effectiveness of this legislative push is often overshadowed by the sensationalism of her protests.

Lidia Thorpe explodes and storms out on first Senate sitting day of the year: 'No pride in genocide' - 4

Is This Protest or Grandstanding?

The recurring nature of Senator Thorpe's dramatic exits and vocal disruptions raises questions about the strategic intent behind her actions. Is she a lone voice of conscience fighting a powerful system, or is she employing a tactic of disruption that prioritizes personal attention over parliamentary progress?

  • Critics like Michaelia Cash argue that these are instances of "political grandstanding," designed to generate media attention rather than achieve substantive policy outcomes.

  • Supporters might argue that disruptive tactics are necessary to break through the political inertia and bring critical, often uncomfortable, issues to the forefront.

  • The timing of these protests, often during significant parliamentary sittings or high-profile international visits, suggests a deliberate strategy to maximize impact.

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During her recent suspension, Thorpe took to the press gallery, a space typically reserved for journalists, to continue her protest. This act, while defiant, was seen by some as another step into performative politics. (Source: SMH, 9News)

"Suspended senator Lidia Thorpe has entered the press gallery viewing area of the Senate yelling pro-Palestinian slogans, putting officials on edge and prompting a large security response at Parliament House a day after she was barred from the chamber for throwing papers at One Nation leader Pauline Hanson." (Source: SMH)

The Path Forward: Substance Over Spectacle?

Senator Thorpe's commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and her critiques of colonial systems are deeply rooted in her lived experience and political platform. Her efforts to legislate for stronger accountability on atrocity crimes, particularly her bill concerning genocide prosecutions, represent a potentially significant contribution to Australian law.

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However, the constant cycle of protest, suspension, and public outcry risks undermining the seriousness of her legislative agenda.

  • Can Senator Thorpe’s message be heard above the noise of her own protests?

  • Does the spectacle of her disruptions detract from the substance of her proposed legislation and advocacy?

  • Are there more effective, less disruptive avenues within parliamentary processes that she could pursue?

Her stance on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and her calls for a treaty highlight her focus on foundational Indigenous rights. (Source: Inside Story) Her work on the Joint Committee on Human Rights is intended to assess bills against international human rights obligations, including UNDRIP. (Source: Inside Story)

"Picking up on the Dodson committee’s majority view, her new bill sought only to ensure the UNDRIP was among the international conventions that the parliament’s human rights committee would refer to when assessing a bill." (Source: Inside Story)

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Ultimately, the effectiveness of Senator Thorpe's approach will be judged not just by the passion of her protests, but by her ability to translate that passion into lasting legislative change and meaningful dialogue. The question remains whether her current strategy of confrontation will ultimately serve her cause or serve only to isolate her further, leaving her powerful message lost in the echo of her own exit.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lidia Thorpe storm out of the Senate?
Senator Thorpe stormed out after accusing Israel of genocide and refusing to acknowledge a parliamentary invitation during a debate on a Greens motion.
Q: What is the main criticism against Lidia Thorpe's actions?
Critics, like Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash, label her actions as 'political grandstanding' and disruptive tactics that prioritize attention over substantive policy outcomes.
Q: What is Lidia Thorpe's proposed legislation regarding genocide?
Thorpe is championing a private senators' bill designed to strip the Attorney-General of the power to block prosecutions for genocide and other atrocity crimes in Australian courts.
Q: Does Lidia Thorpe have a history of disruptive protests?
Yes, Senator Thorpe has a documented history of high-profile protests and confrontations, including during the visit of King Charles and blocking the Mardi Gras parade, often sparking controversy.