During a parliamentary reception for King Charles III on Monday, Indigenous Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted proceedings with a passionate outcry, demanding the return of Indigenous lands. Thorpe was escorted out after shouting, “Give us our land back,” accusing British colonizers of genocide and theft.
“You committed genocide against our people,” she exclaimed. “Give us what you stole from us—our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our land. We want a treaty.”
Thorpe’s actions brought the event to a brief halt as security intervened to remove her. This protest comes amidst ongoing tensions in Australia over its colonial past and the lack of treaties with Indigenous populations.
“This is not your land. You are not my king,” Thorpe continued as she was ushered from the room.
Thorpe, known for her outspoken activism, has a history of high-profile protests. In 2022, she challenged the monarchy during her swearing-in as a senator and has since been involved in various public demonstrations, including last year’s blockade of a police float at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has expressed his desire for the country to eventually become a republic, touched on the subject indirectly in his speech. “You have shown great respect for Australians, even as we have debated our own constitutional future and our relationship with the Crown,” he said, acknowledging that “nothing stands still.”
Opposition leader Peter Dutton, a monarchist, noted that republic supporters were also present to honor King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, all six state governments declined invitations to the reception, signaling their preference for an Australian head of state.
King Charles, 75, in his speech, thanked the Indigenous Ngunnawal people for their welcome and spoke of his appreciation for the stories and cultures of Australia’s First Nations people. Charles, currently undergoing cancer treatment, is making his 17th trip to Australia, his first as king.
Thorpe’s protest has once again sparked conversation about Australia’s constitutional ties to Britain, with a growing movement advocating for a republic. While Albanese has ruled out a referendum during his current term, the issue may resurface if his government is re-elected next year.
Charles and Camilla will continue their tour of Australia before traveling to Samoa later in the week to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.