Lidia Alma Thorpe, born in 1973 in Carlton, Victoria, is an influential figure in Australian politics known for her advocacy of Indigenous rights and her remarkable political journey. As of 2020, she has been serving as a senator for Victoria, making history as the first Aboriginal senator from the state. Lidia Thorpe’s political career has been marked by her association with the Australian Greens, her role as the Greens’ deputy leader in the Senate, and her eventual departure from the party over differences concerning the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Lidia Alma Thorpe was born into a family deeply rooted in activism and advocacy. Her parents, Roy Illingworth and Marjorie Thorpe, played significant roles in advancing Indigenous causes. Her mother, in particular, was involved in the Stolen Generations inquiry, which led to the “Bringing Them Home” report in the 1990s. Additionally, Lidia’s grandmother, Alma Thorpe, was one of the founders of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and played a pivotal role in Indigenous healthcare.
Lidia Thorpe’s heritage is a tapestry of diverse backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural nature of Australia. She proudly identifies as having English, Irish, DjabWurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara ancestry, embracing her rich cultural heritage.
Growing up in the Housing Commission flats of Collingwood, Lidia Thorpe faced her fair share of challenges. She attended Gold Street Primary School in Clifton Hill and later Fitzroy High School, but her educational journey took an unconventional path as she moved between schools.
Despite these challenges, Lidia Thorpe displayed immense resilience from a young age. She immersed herself in sports, excelling in Australian rules football and netball. Her first job, working alongside her uncle Robbie Thorpe at the Koori Information Centre in Fitzroy, exposed her to the world of Black political activism and laid the foundation for her future advocacy.
At the age of 17, Lidia Thorpe became a single mother, a role that further fueled her determination to create a better future for herself and her family.
Lidia Thorpe’s pursuit of education has been integral to her journey. She holds a Diploma of Community Development from Swinburne University of Technology, a graduate certificate in public sector management, and a Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership. These qualifications have equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her advocacy work and political career.
Thorpe’s early career was marked by her dedication to community development and advocacy. She worked as the Aboriginal employment adviser for the Municipal Association of Victoria, served as the president of the Lakes Entrance Basketball Association, and contributed to the Nowa Nowa Primary School’s school council. Her involvement in various Indigenous initiatives and organizations, such as the Victorian NAIDOC Committee, showcased her commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and well-being.
In a challenging period of her life, Lidia Thorpe faced bankruptcy in 2013, with debts exceeding $700,000, including monies owed to Indigenous Business Australia and the Australian Taxation Office. She attributed her financial struggles to domestic violence and the need to protect her family. Her resilience allowed her to rebuild her life, ultimately emerging from bankruptcy in 2016.
Lidia Thorpe’s political journey has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of justice for Indigenous Australians and marginalized communities. Her political career can be divided into two significant phases:
Despite her significant contributions to the Australian Greens, Lidia Thorpe made the decision to resign from the party in February 2023. Her departure stemmed from disagreements surrounding the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Thorpe’s commitment to grassroots Indigenous movements and her belief in representing the Blak Sovereign Movement led her to choose an independent path in the Senate, where she now sits on the crossbench.
Lidia Thorpe’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond the political sphere. She actively supports the Pay the Rent campaign, which encourages non-Aboriginal Australians to pay reparations. Thorpe has also been vocal in her critique of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, emphasizing the importance of a treaty before establishing an Indigenous voice to government.
Her involvement in organizing events like the dawn service on Australia Day and her participation in demonstrations further underscore her dedication to raising awareness about Indigenous rights and issues.
Lidia Thorpe’s family has played a significant role in her journey. Her sister, Meriki Onus, co-founded the Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) collective, a driving force behind the Australian Aboriginal Sovereignty movement. Her uncle, Robbie Thorpe, is a prominent activist linked to early struggles for Aboriginal Australian self-determination and the Pay The Rent campaign.
Thorpe is also a proud mother of three children and a grandmother to four grandchildren.
Lidia Thorpe’s story is a testament to resilience, unwavering dedication to Indigenous rights, and the pursuit of justice. As she continues her journey as an independent senator, her impact on Australian politics and Indigenous advocacy remains a powerful force for change.