The chief adviser for Senate affairs says Lidia Thorpe is eligible to become a senator, despite her claim that she swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth’s ‘hair’ when she was sworn in to Parliament.
Senate Secretary Richard Pye, the Senate President’s chief adviser on proceedings, said Monday there was no “test of sincerity” when asked about Senator Thorpe’s swearing-in ceremony.
“The idea that we would think that due deference or respect might not be given to this constitutional requirement would somehow impede the ability of a democratically elected Senate to continue to serve its share of the Senate, this point to go a little too far. Mr Pye told Senate estimates.
He confirmed that Senator Thorpe would have pledged allegiance by signing her oath anyway, as legal experts and other lawmakers have noted.
“In this case, the words spoken are the same words that appear in the test roll,” he said.
“By signing them, Senator Thorpe confirmed the fact that these were the words she had spoken.
“And the president countersigned it to say that the oath, the pledge, was duly administered and endorsed for her.”
The Clerk of the Senate says Lidia Thorpe is eligible, despite her claim that she swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth’s ‘hair’. Photo: NewsWire / SWIMMING POOL / Lukas Coch
Senate Secretary Richard Pye says Lidia Thorpe is eligible, despite her claim that she swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth’s ‘hair’.
Senator Thorpe was forced to withdraw her claim after it raised questions about her eligibility. Image: NewsWire
Senator Thorpe was forced to withdraw her claim that she had incorrectly recited her senatorial oath after it raised questions about her suitability.
Instead, she said she made a mistake.
The independent Greens made the claim following her expletive-ridden protest during the royal visit last month.