On a recent evening, a Parliament reception was held to welcome the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, to Australia. The event was attended by various dignitaries and members of Parliament, including Lidia Thorpe, a prominent Indigenous Australian politician. However, what was meant to be a joyous occasion turned into a controversial one when Thorpe shouted at Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, demanding that he “give us our land back.”
The incident has sparked a heated debate and has brought to light the ongoing issue of land rights for Indigenous Australians. While some have criticized Thorpe’s actions as disrespectful and inappropriate, others have praised her for speaking out and bringing attention to a long-standing issue.
In her outburst, Thorpe, a Gunnai-Gunditjmara woman, expressed the frustration and anger felt by many Indigenous Australians towards the British monarchy and their role in the colonization of their land. For centuries, Indigenous Australians have suffered the consequences of British colonization, including the loss of their land, culture, and way of life. Despite efforts to reconcile and address these issues, the Indigenous community continues to face discrimination and marginalization.
Thorpe’s words were a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for land rights and recognition of Indigenous sovereignty. It was a bold and courageous act, and it has sparked a much-needed conversation about the treatment of Indigenous Australians and the need for reconciliation.
The incident has also shed light on the role of the British monarchy in the colonization of Australia. As the head of state, Queen Elizabeth II represents the British Crown, which has a long history of exploitation and oppression of Indigenous peoples around the world. While the Queen herself may not be directly responsible for these actions, her position as the head of the Commonwealth and her role in upholding colonial traditions cannot be ignored.
In response to Thorpe’s outburst, Prince Charles remained composed and did not engage in any confrontation. However, he did acknowledge the issue in his speech, stating, “I know that there are many challenges and injustices that Indigenous Australians continue to face, and I can only express my deep sorrow that such injustices have occurred in the past.”
While some may argue that Thorpe’s actions were disrespectful and inappropriate, it is important to understand the context and the emotions behind her words. As an Indigenous woman, Thorpe has firsthand experience of the injustices faced by her community, and her outburst was a cry for justice and recognition.
It is also worth noting that Thorpe’s actions were not directed at Prince Charles as an individual, but rather at the institution he represents. Her words were a call for the British monarchy to acknowledge and take responsibility for their role in the colonization of Australia and to work towards reconciliation with the Indigenous community.
In the aftermath of the incident, many have called for a more significant effort to address the issue of land rights for Indigenous Australians. It is time for the Australian government to take concrete steps towards reconciliation and to recognize the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. This includes returning land to Indigenous communities and providing them with the resources and support needed to preserve their culture and way of life.
In conclusion, Lidia Thorpe’s outburst at the Parliament reception to welcome the British monarch was a powerful and necessary reminder of the ongoing struggle for land rights and recognition of Indigenous sovereignty. It has sparked a much-needed conversation and has brought attention to the injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. It is time for the Australian government and the British monarchy to take concrete steps towards reconciliation and to give back what was taken from the Indigenous community. Only then can we truly move towards a more just and equal society for all.
