Lidia Thorpe: Political Profile and Biography

Lidia Thorpe Early Life and Background

• Lidia Thorpe Born in 1973 in Carlton, Victoria
• Descendant of the Gunnai-Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung peoples
• Raised in Melbourne’s public housing system
• Single mother at age 17, experiencing financial hardship which influenced her later advocacy

Political Journey (Lidia Thorpe)

Early Activism

• Began as a grassroots community activist
• Involved in Aboriginal rights movements
• Advocated for environmental protection and social justice
• Served as Aboriginal Community Development Officer at Darebin City Council

State Politics (Lidia Thorpe)

• Made history in 2017 as the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Victorian Parliament
• Represented the Greens in the Victorian Legislative Assembly
• Served as the Member for Northcote (2017-2018)
• Focused on Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and social justice

Federal Politics

• Entered federal politics in 2020, filling a casual vacancy in the Senate
• Became the first Aboriginal Senator from Victoria
• Initially represented the Australian Greens
• Served as the Greens First Nations spokesperson

Independent Senator

• Left the Australian Greens in 2023
• Continued serving as an Independent Senator
• Maintained strong advocacy for First Nations sovereignty and treaty

Key Policy Positions and Advocacy

Indigenous Rights

• Strong advocate for Indigenous sovereignty
• Campaigns for truth-telling about colonial history
• Pushes for treaty and constitutional recognition
• Critical of the Voice to Parliament proposal, advocating for treaty before voice

Environmental Issues

• Advocates for climate action
• Supports protection of Indigenous lands
• Campaigns against fossil fuel expansion
• Promotes sustainable environmental practices

Social Justice

• Champions public housing reform
• Advocates for single parents
• Pushes for economic justice
• Supports raising welfare payments

Controversies and Notable Moments

• Drew attention for protests during ceremonial occasions
• Made headlines for passionate speeches about Indigenous sovereignty
• Generated debate through direct action protests
• Known for challenging parliamentary conventions

Personal Life and Values (Lidia Thorpe)

• Proud DjabWurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara woman
• Mother and grandmother
• Advocates for connection to country
• Emphasizes importance of cultural heritage and identity

Achievements and Legacy (Lidia Thorpe)

• First Aboriginal woman in Victorian Parliament
• First Aboriginal Senator from Victoria
• Pioneering voice for Indigenous sovereignty
• Influential figure in Australian political discourse
• Champion for grassroots activism and community engagement

Notable Quotes (Lidia Thorpe)

• “I will never cede my sovereignty.”
• “Treaty before Voice.”
• “This is about truth-telling and justice for First Nations people.”
• “We need real action, not just symbolic gestures.”

Impact on Australian Politics (Lidia Thorpe)

• Challenged traditional political discourse
• Brought Indigenous perspectives to parliament
• Influenced national debate on sovereignty
• Advanced discussion on treaty and Indigenous rights

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