Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to make a statement regarding the recent reports written about me and Mr Martin in the media. Mr Martin and I met through black activism and briefly dated. We remain friends and have collaborated on our shared interest: advocating for the rights of First Nations people. All confidential information I received as part of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement was treated in confidence. I strongly reject any suggestion that I would do anything other than comply with the committee's requirements, and I note that no-one has offered any evidence to the contrary. However, I accept that I should have disclosed this connection with Mr Martin to my leader and also to the joint committee on law enforcement, of which I was a member. In light of this, last week I resigned as the deputy leader in the Senate.

Thank you to all who have sent messages of love and solidarity. The support and understanding have been overwhelming. My ancestors, my family, my elders, my community and the allyship out there are what maintains my strength—my strength to continue to be here. I wouldn't be here without those people I mentioned and I couldn't do it without those people I mentioned. That's why I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, especially while we don't have a treaty in this country, which I will continue to fight for. Having now given this explanation to the Senate, I will turn my focus to my important portfolio work, especially fighting for First Nations justice. Thank you.