Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted King Charles during his address, calling for a treaty and an apology for colonial wrongs.

In a dramatic moment in Australia’s parliament, Senator Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous leader from the state of Victoria, interrupted King Charles, shouting, “This is not your land. You are not my King!”

Thorpe, dressed in traditional clothing, demanded the return of stolen land and a treaty for Aboriginal Australians.

The King, in Australia for a royal tour with Queen Camilla, had just delivered a speech at Parliament House in Canberra, acknowledging Australia’s complex journey towards reconciliation.

He expressed his appreciation for Indigenous traditions, including a “Welcome to Country” ceremony by Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Serena Williams.

Here’s the moment Lidia Thorpe shouted after King Charles III delivered his speech in Parliament House just after 2pm. She can be heard saying, “This is not your land. You are not my king. You are not our king”. #auspol pic.twitter.com/4udHc1ZB9q

— Sarah Basford Canales (@sbasfordcanales) October 21, 2024

No apology

However, he stopped short of issuing the apology many Indigenous leaders, including Thorpe, had hoped for.

Security swiftly removed Thorpe as she continued to demand justice for the country’s First Nations people.

This wasn’t her first act of defiance. She famously refused to pledge allegiance to the monarchy when sworn into parliament.

Indigenous leaders like Aunty Serena Williams have continued to call on the King to acknowledge and apologise for the lasting effects of colonialism.

King Charles, while speaking of reconciliation, has so far avoided directly addressing these demands.

Thorpe’s actions reflect a growing movement within Australia pushing for recognition, justice, and a formal treaty with its Indigenous population.