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AFP Opens Probe Into Lidia Thorpe’s ‘Burn Down Parliament House’ Remark

The force’s National Security Investigations unit is reviewing whether the senator’s rally comment broke the law.

Overview

  • Thorpe told a Melbourne pro-Palestine crowd she would "burn down Parliament House to make a point" during a weekend rally.
  • The AFP confirmed a methodical inquiry by its Victoria-based National Security Investigations team to assess any breach of legislation and issued a rare public reassurance.
  • Thorpe later said the remark was a figure of speech, describing it as a metaphor and rejecting any suggestion of a literal threat or support for violence.
  • Government ministers criticised the language and urged leaders to lower the temperature to avoid inflaming tensions in Australia.
  • Opposition figures signalled they may pursue parliamentary accountability, including a censure motion or a referral to the privileges committee when the Senate next sits.