A fiery exchange unfolded in Senate Estimates as Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe accused the federal government of directing “black money” toward some of Australia’s “most racist police forces.” The incident, which occurred during hearings on national security and community safety funding, has ignited political debate and renewed focus on policing accountability in Indigenous communities.
Senator Thorpe, a long-time advocate for Indigenous rights, confronted officials over federal grants allocated to police departments across several states, arguing that these funds perpetuate systemic racism and violence against First Nations people.
Visibly emotional, Thorpe questioned why federal dollars were “propping up racist systems instead of investing in Indigenous safety and community-led initiatives.” The senator’s remarks prompted intervention from the committee chair, as tensions rose between her and Labor representatives present at the hearing.
Heated Exchanges Between Senators
During the session, Thorpe directly challenged Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, a Labor frontbencher from the Northern Territory, leading to a heated back-and-forth between the two Indigenous senators. McCarthy rebuked Thorpe’s remarks as “divisive and disrespectful,” accusing her of undermining efforts to improve Indigenous community safety.
Observers reported that the exchange grew intense, with Thorpe maintaining that federal funding mechanisms were enabling harm rather than addressing the root causes of violence in Aboriginal communities.
“She was passionate and uncompromising,” one Senate staffer said after the hearing. “Thorpe made it clear she sees these programs as part of the problem, not the solution.”
Context Behind the “Black Money” Comment
Thorpe’s use of the phrase “black money” referred to funds she alleges are funneled through government programs without proper oversight or benefit to Indigenous Australians. In her view, the federal budget allocates millions to policing strategies that fail to protect — and often criminalize — First Nations people.
The Senator’s comments are part of her broader campaign to redirect policing funds toward Indigenous-led justice and rehabilitation programs. Her previous speeches in the Senate and at rallies have called for a rethinking of Australia’s policing model, particularly in remote communities.
However, her remarks have drawn criticism from both government and opposition senators, who argue that such funding is essential for law enforcement and public safety.
Broader Implications for Senate Estimates
The Senate Estimates hearings, designed to hold government departments accountable for spending, have become a recurring flashpoint for political clashes. Thorpe’s confrontation underscores how debates about policing and race continue to polarize Canberra.
Government representatives have defended their approach, emphasizing that community safety programs are designed in consultation with Indigenous leaders and focus on improving outcomes.
Yet, the exchange revealed persistent divisions within Parliament about how to balance accountability, cultural sensitivity, and the urgent need to address crime in Indigenous communities.
Reaction and Public Response
Social media quickly lit up following Thorpe’s remarks, with supporters praising her for speaking “truth to power” and critics accusing her of “grandstanding.” Advocacy groups, including several First Nations organizations, have expressed solidarity with her call for transparency in how Indigenous-related funds are distributed.
“The system has failed our people for too long,” one community spokesperson said. “Senator Thorpe is right to demand answers about where this money is going and who it’s really serving.”
Meanwhile, conservative commentators labeled the exchange “disruptive” and “unproductive,” arguing that Thorpe’s confrontational tone distracts from meaningful policy discussion.
Looking Ahead
The controversy surrounding Senate Estimates and Senator Thorpe’s comments is unlikely to fade quickly. The government is expected to face further scrutiny over police funding allocations in upcoming hearings.
Thorpe, for her part, remains defiant, saying she will continue to use her Senate platform to hold institutions accountable. “This is about justice for our people,” she stated following the session. “We deserve answers, and we deserve better.”
As debates over Indigenous justice and public safety continue to intensify, the Senate Estimates hearings have once again proven to be a battleground for some of Australia’s most pressing and divisive issues.For more political and startup news updates, visit StartupNews.fyi and stay informed about Australia’s latest developments in government and innovation.
