A significant diplomatic visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Australia’s Parliament has drawn fierce criticism from independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, who characterized the event as a ‘coloniser convention’ occurring at ‘coloniser headquarters.’ The condemnation emerged simultaneously with the Albanese government’s announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into systemic racism targeting First Nations communities.
During his address to a joint parliamentary session in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed his Canadian counterpart, emphasizing how both nations are ‘enriched by indigenous cultures.’ This diplomatic exchange occurred as part of Carney’s multi-day official visit to Australia.
Senator Thorpe, however, delivered a scathing assessment of the proceedings, drawing parallels between Canada and Australia’s treatment of Indigenous populations. She highlighted concerning patterns including disproportionate incarceration rates, land destruction, and child removal policies that she described as consistent across ‘colonised countries.’ Thorpe specifically noted that these nations operate as a ‘protection racket’ to avoid accountability for what she termed ‘ongoing genocide against First Nations people.’
The timing of Thorpe’s criticism coincided with the establishment of a formal parliamentary examination by the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. This inquiry will investigate racism, hate speech, and violence directed at Indigenous groups, with particular focus on digital platforms and ideologically motivated extremism.
Despite her instrumental role in pressuring the government to launch the investigation, Senator Thorpe expressed skepticism about its potential impact. She referenced historical precedents where extensive inquiries produced recommendations that were never implemented, questioning whether meaningful change would result from the current initiative. Thorpe emphasized the necessity of maintaining public pressure to ensure proposed solutions translate into tangible policy actions.