Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe labels Queen ‘coloniser’ in parliamentary oath

Lidia Thorpe has labelled Queen Elizabeth II a ‘coloniser’ during her oath of allegiance | WATCH

Australia Greens Senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe raises her arm during her swearing-in ceremony in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: AAP Image

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe has branded the Queen as a “coloniser” while reciting the oath of allegiance mandatory for all parliamentarians.

When called to do the oath, Senator Thorpe stood and walked to the front of the chamber with her fist raised, which she kept up while reading the oath.

“I sovereign, Lidia Thorpe, do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will be faithful and I bear true allegiance to the colonising Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” she said.

Senator Thorpe was met with yells and outcry from the chamber, and Senate President Sue Lines reminded her she was required to recite the oath “as printed on the card”, which she did on the second reading before signing.

It was not the first time the outspoken senator had labelled the Queen a “coloniser”, having also done so in June.

Senator Thorpe at the time said the “colonisation of this country is coming to an end” and declared her intention as an Indigenous woman to “infiltrate” the senate.

“How many Australians in this country wake up and put their hands on their heart for the colonising Queen?” she questioned.

Fellow Indigenous Senator Jacinta Price in June dismissed Senator Thorpe’s comments as “childish” and “divisive” and said she needed to recognise her privilege.