King Charles Heckled During Speech in Australia Indigenous Senator Demands Treaty

During his inaugural visit to Australia as monarch, King Charles faced a significant disruption at Parliament House in Canberra when Lidia Thorpe, an outspoken Indigenous Australian senator, heckled him, demanding a treaty and accusing the Crown of stealing Aboriginal land.

As King Charles concluded his address to MPs and senators, Thorpe approached the stage, asserting, “You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back.” Her impassioned remarks included calls for a treaty, highlighting historical grievances and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights in Australia.

Thorpe, who wore a long possum skin coat, continued to express her anger as security escorted her from the hall, shouting, “You are not my king. You are not our king.” Her protest emphasized the tensions surrounding the monarchy’s legacy in Australia, particularly in relation to Indigenous sovereignty.

Following the incident, King Charles turned to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, engaging in a quiet discussion as security intervened. Albanese had earlier praised the king’s commitment to issues such as climate change and reconciliation.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott condemned Thorpe’s actions as “unfortunate political exhibitionism,” while businessman Dick Smith defended her right to protest, stating, “That’s the wonderful part of our democracy.”

Thorpe’s protest was part of a broader movement advocating for a formal treaty between Australia’s governments and First Nations peoples. In a statement released earlier, she argued that Australia should transition to a republic while addressing “unfinished business” with Indigenous communities. “The crown invaded this country, has not sought treaty with First Peoples, and committed genocide of our people,” she stated.

This sentiment echoes the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, which called for a voice to Parliament, treaty, and truth-telling, emphasizing that Indigenous sovereignty has never been ceded.

Earlier in the day, King Charles and Queen Camilla engaged with the public at the Australian War Memorial, including a lighthearted moment with Hephner the alpaca, dressed in royal attire. Despite the protest, the royal couple’s visit is intended to strengthen ties between Australia and the monarchy.

As discussions around treaty and reconciliation continue, the events of this visit highlight the ongoing challenges and conversations surrounding Indigenous rights in Australia.

The heckling incident underscores the complexity of Australia’s relationship with its Indigenous peoples and raises questions about the monarchy’s role in addressing historical injustices. As calls for treaty grow louder, the nation faces critical choices about its future identity and governance.