In a dramatic display of protest, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe stormed out of the Senate chamber during a fiery and contentious debate over a Greens motion that condemned the Albanese Government's decision to invite Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia.
Heated Exchange Precedes Walkout
The incident unfolded as Labor Senator Anthony Chisholm was explaining the Government's rationale for not supporting the Greens' proposal. Thorpe, visibly agitated, interrupted the proceedings with a powerful shout across the chamber: 'No pride in genocide!' She followed this with the declaration, 'We should not have Herzog here.' With those words, she rose decisively from her chair and made her exit, leaving a palpable tension in the room.
Greens' Strong Condemnation of the Invitation
Earlier in the debate, Greens Senator David Shoebridge had set the tone by labelling the invitation to President Herzog as 'disgraceful'. He accused the government of showing a lack of concern, stating it 'did not care' that the visit would likely provoke civil unrest within Australia.
Shoebridge elaborated on his objections, referencing serious allegations against the Israeli President. 'We've seen the photo of President Herzog signing bombs that were sent into Gaza, he is accused by a UN Commission of Inquiry of inciting genocide,' he asserted. His rhetorical question captured the core of the Greens' opposition: 'What the hell is Labor doing inviting someone like that to Australia?'
Underlying Tensions and Political Divisions
This episode highlights the deep political and moral divisions within the Australian Parliament regarding international diplomacy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Greens' motion served as a focal point for broader criticisms of the Albanese Government's foreign policy stance.
Thorpe's walkout, a rare and forceful parliamentary act, underscores the intense personal and political convictions driving the debate. It signals a significant rupture in parliamentary decorum, reflecting the high stakes and emotional weight attached to the issue of the state visit.
The Government's defence, as outlined by Senator Chisholm, and the vehement opposition from crossbench and Greens senators, sets the stage for continued friction. This incident is likely to resonate beyond the Senate chamber, influencing public discourse and diplomatic perceptions.
