Born: 1973 (Carlton, Victoria)
Biography:
Lidia Alma Thorpe (born 1973) is an Australian independent politician known for her advocacy for Aboriginal rights. She made history as the first Aboriginal senator from the state of Victoria, serving in this role since 2020. Despite leaving a mark in the political landscape, Thorpe’s journey has been one of perseverance, determination, and a commitment to fighting for justice.
Thorpe’s journey began in Carlton, Victoria, in 1973. She was born to Roy Illingworth and Marjorie Thorpe, and she is of English, Irish, DjabWurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara descent. Growing up in Housing Commission flats in Collingwood, Thorpe attended Gold Street Primary School in Clifton Hill. She later studied at Fitzroy High School and Collingwood High before returning to Fitzroy High for Year 9. However, at the age of 14, she made the decision to leave school.
Despite the challenges she faced, Thorpe’s passion for advocating for her community led her to begin working with her uncle Robbie Thorpe at the Koori Information Centre in Fitzroy. It was during this time that she experienced firsthand the vibrant and active Black political movement. This experience ignited her determination to fight for justice and equality.
Throughout her career, Thorpe has continuously worked to uplift her community. She holds a Diploma of Community Development from Swinburne University of Technology and a graduate certificate in public sector management. Additionally, she holds a Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership. Thorpe has truly embodied the spirit of perseverance, becoming a single mother at the age of 17 and working tirelessly to support her family.
Early in her career, Thorpe served as the Aboriginal employment adviser for the Municipal Association of Victoria. She also made significant contributions as the president of the Lakes Entrance Basketball Association, where she dedicated three years of her time. As a member of the school council of Nowa Nowa Primary School, Thorpe used her voice to advocate for better opportunities for Indigenous students. Furthermore, she has been an active member of various committees, including a steering committee for Indigenous administrators and the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Victoria).
Thorpe’s commitment to public service extended to her work in local government. She served as a project manager with the East Gippsland Shire Council, where she worked on initiatives to improve the lives of Aboriginal people in the region. Additionally, she held positions as the Indigenous manager at Centrelink and the manager at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Training Centre, where she championed education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal Australians.
In 2017, Thorpe achieved a historic milestone by winning the Northcote state by-election. This victory made her the first known Aboriginal woman elected to the Victorian Parliament, where she served as the member for the division of Northcote in the Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2018. Her election marked a significant step forward for Indigenous representation in politics, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
Throughout her political career, Lidia Thorpe has utilized her platforms to challenge the legitimacy of Australian political institutions, which she believes are rooted in colonialism. Her vocal criticism has sparked important conversations about decolonization and the need for more inclusive policies that address the historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As a senator, Thorpe has continued to champion environmental and social justice causes. Her dedication to fighting for the rights of Indigenous Australians and addressing climate change has earned her recognition both within and outside her political party.
In her ongoing journey as a political trailblazer, Lidia Thorpe remains an unwavering advocate for Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, and equality. Her commitment to justice and her fearless pursuit of change have left an indelible mark on Australian politics and society.