Lidia Thorpe Defends Oath Controversy

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has claimed that she did not breach her parliamentary oath by swearing allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II's 'hairs' instead of her 'heirs' during her 2022 swearing-in ceremony. This controversial assertion follows her recent outburst at King Charles III, where she yelled, 'You are not our king' and 'F*** the colony', during his visit to Australia. Thorpe's comments have sparked calls for her resignation, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton arguing that someone who opposes the constitutional system should not accept a parliamentary salary. Constitutional law experts have noted that while she may have mispronounced the word, she formally signed an oath that correctly stated her allegiance to the 'heirs'. Thorpe, however, insists she will not resign, stating she's unsure of the implications of her declaration and its legality. The Coalition is seeking legal advice regarding potential consequences stemming from her statements.