Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Indigenous Australians

Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Lidia Thorpe moved a motion to take note of the Minister for Foreign Affairs' answer to a question about Indigenous Australians. Thorpe criticised the government for dismissing inquiries about genocide as political point-scoring rather than addressing historical facts. She argued that the government had broken its promise to support truth-telling and failed to acknowledge findings from reports such as Bringing Them Home and the Yoorrook Justice Commission. The Senate agreed to the motion.

Outcome

The question was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Lidia Thorpe (VIC) (Independent) Ind

Thorpe argued that the Minister for Foreign Affairs incorrectly characterised questions about genocide as political manoeuvring. Thorpe cited research indicating that over two million First Peoples died in the early years of invasion, asserting that the government remained in denial. Thorpe called for a national truth and justice commission with royal commission powers to investigate historical crimes and repair harm. Thorpe contended that the government had betrayed First Peoples by failing to uphold its election promise regarding truth-telling.