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Politics

Confrontation in Canberra: Indigenous Lawmaker Challenges King Charles During Historic Visit

Monday 21 October 2024 - 08:35

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King Charles III's recent visit to Australia, marking the first by a reigning monarch in over a decade, was met with unexpected protest from an Aboriginal senator. This visit comes as the King embarks on his first royal tour following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

During a speech to the Australian Parliament on Monday, King Charles called for enhanced efforts to combat climate change, highlighting the alarming increase in bushfires and floods as clear indicators of a warming planet. However, his address was abruptly interrupted by Senator Lidia Thorpe, who shouted accusations of genocide and demanded the return of Indigenous lands. "You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back! This is not your land!" she declared as security personnel escorted her away.

Senator Thorpe, the first Indigenous representative from Victoria in the Senate, had previously turned her back during the playing of "God Save the King," signaling her discontent with the monarchy. Her actions reflect a broader sentiment among many Indigenous Australians who view the British colonization of Australia as a source of ongoing trauma and injustice.

The historical context is significant: British settlement in the late 18th century led to widespread displacement and suffering among Aboriginal communities. Although Australia gained de facto independence from Britain in 1901, it remains a Commonwealth realm with the British monarch as head of state. A 1999 referendum saw Australians choose to retain the monarchy, and recent proposals to recognize Indigenous Australians in the constitution have also been rejected.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed a desire for Australia to transition to a republic but has ruled out any referendums during his current term. The royal couple arrived in Sydney on Friday to commence their nine-day tour, which includes engagements in both Australia and Samoa.

In his parliamentary address, King Charles emphasized Australia's potential for sustainable living by leveraging its natural resources, such as wind and solar energy. He stated, "Australia has all of the natural ingredients to create a more sustainable regenerative way of living." His remarks underscored his long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy.

Earlier in the day, Charles and Queen Camilla laid wreaths at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and attended a church service in Sydney after taking a day off for rest. The visit continues with various public engagements and culminates in Samoa for the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), marking Charles's first participation as head of this organization.

This confrontation highlights ongoing tensions regarding Australia's colonial past and raises questions about reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities amidst discussions about climate change and environmental stewardship.