Lidia Thorpe Suspended Following Heated Senate Clash Over Racism Allegations

The independent senator was removed from Parliament after a confrontation with Pauline Hanson and escalating tensions in the final sitting days of the year.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe was suspended from Parliament after throwing torn papers at Pauline Hanson during a heated debate on racism and dual citizenship allegations against Senator Fatima Payman.
Thorpe's suspension was supported by the government, Coalition, and crossbench senators, with Labor's Penny Wong citing the need to address conduct that made others feel unsafe.
The incident overshadowed Senator Payman's impassioned response to Hanson's questioning of her eligibility, in which Payman denounced Hanson for her history of racially charged actions.
Thorpe continued to attract attention after her suspension by staging a protest in the Senate press gallery, further highlighting divisions in the chamber.
The chaotic final sitting days of Parliament also saw a rushed attempt to pass nearly 40 bills, with negotiations on key reforms, including election finance and environmental legislation, remaining unresolved.