What's happened
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe faces backlash after disrupting King Charles' welcome ceremony, asserting her allegiance lies with her people. Despite criticism, she remains defiant, emphasizing the need for justice for First Nations people amid ongoing discussions about her oath of allegiance.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Anna Henderson from SBS highlights Thorpe's defiance in the face of criticism, stating, "You can make new rules, but Blak people in this country are used to being shut down." This sentiment is echoed in The Guardian, which critiques the backlash against her protest as hypocritical, noting that Thorpe's actions are part of a long tradition of Indigenous resistance. Meanwhile, SBS reports on Thorpe's backtracking regarding her oath of allegiance, which has raised questions about her legitimacy in the Senate. Foreign Minister Penny Wong described Thorpe's admission of mispronunciation as "an unusual thing," suggesting a need for reflection on her role within the institution. This contrast in perspectives illustrates the complexities surrounding Thorpe's position and the broader implications for Indigenous representation in Australian politics.
How we got here
Lidia Thorpe's protest against the monarchy reflects long-standing tensions regarding Indigenous rights in Australia. Her recent actions have reignited debates about the relevance of the monarchy and the treatment of First Nations people in the political landscape.
More on these topics
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Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay since 1952, and he is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history.