‘Is that racism?’: Lidia Thorpe blasts Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes

Senator Lidia Thorpe has blasted Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes declaring “is that racism?” in a fiery clash in Parliament.

Senator Lidia Thorpe has blasted Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes declaring “is that racism?” in a fiery clash after she accused the white politician of interrupting her speech to Parliament.

The ugly clash between the two women descended into shouting and finger pointing as Senator Thorpe refused to withdraw the accusation of racism.

It was adjudicated by former Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, who asked Senator Thorpe to stop repeating her claim the Liberal Senator had “racially vilified” her.

During the late-night sitting, Senator Hughes was picked up by the official transcript muttering “how many times has that happened today?” as Senator Thorpe acknowledged the traditional custodians during a speech on fracking.

“I want to acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the lands—,” Senator Thorpe began.

An exasperated Senator Hughes then muttered, “How many times has that happened today?”

The interjection prompted Senator Thorpe to denounce the remarks.

“Is that racism? Can I just call out racism in this chamber right now, please? Acting Deputy President, I call it out,” she said.

Senator Hughes then interjected with a point of order demanding the claim she was racist be withdrawn.

“Yes. I’d just like to point out that Senator Thorpe has just made a comment about me that I think she should withdraw in its inference — in fact, its direct calling,” the Liberal Senator said.

But when the acting deputy president Linda Reynolds asked her to withdraw, Senator Thorpe flatly refused.

Lidia Thorpe accused Hollie Hughes of racism.

“Acting Deputy President, what are you asking me to do?” she said.

“I did hear what Senator Hughes said, and — ” Senator Reynolds began.

Senator Thorpe then asked, “And you don’t see that as racist?”

In response, Senator Reynolds said it was “not my call” to say if it was racist.

“That is not my call to make. However — are you making a point of order?” she said.

“I’m making a point of order that I am in my workplace, and I don’t need racists being racist to me while I’m reading my speech. Can you make sure that I am not targeted with racism while I’m trying to do my job, please?’’ Senator Thorpe said.

A furious Senator Hughes then stood to her feet and started pointing at Senator Thorpe yelling “I will not be referred to by you as anything, let alone that”.

Senator Hughes demanded the claim be withdrawn.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for Senator Thorpe to be referring to anyone in this place as racist, and I would ask her to withdraw. That is absolutely inappropriate, and I will not be referred to by you as anything, let alone that,’’ she said.

“Senator Hughes, you are not helping,” Senator Reynolds replied.

“Senator Hughes and Senator Thorpe! Thank you. Senator Thorpe, I heard what Senator Hughes said, and I didn’t hear anything that was — if you would like a review of the Hansard, I can certainly ask for a review of the Hansard.”

“I would like that please, because I will not stand for racism in my workplace,” Senator Thorpe said.

“Senator Thorpe, you are not helping the situation by repeating that claim about Senator Hughes. I would ask that you withdraw that imputation,” Senator Reynolds said.

“I will not withdraw until you understand that I have just been racially vilified while I’m reading my speech,’’ Senator Thorpe replied.

The ugly scenes erupted during a late-night sitting.

Senator Katy Gallagher then interjected to try and resolve the situation when Senator Reynolds could not.

“If it might assist the chamber, there is obviously a disagreement that has gone on here. I think your suggestion that Hansard be reviewed and that the President or yourself come back to the chamber at a later date might be the best way to facilitate this evening,” Senator Gallagher said.

Senator Thorpe then finished her speech telling Parliament, “This land is our mother, and we are killing her. Every time a new coal pit is dug, she is wounded. With every new fracking well that is driven into her veins, she bleeds.”

Senator Thorpe and Senator Hollie Hughes have history, after the former Greens Senator told her last year “at least I keep my legs shut” in parliament.

The attack was described as “beyond disgusting, beyond vile”.