Andrew Thorpe, the 35-year-old son of Senator Lidia Thorpe, has made his inaugural speech to the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, an body established in 2019 to represent Traditional Owners and Aboriginal peoples across the state. Thorpe, who previously worked in construction, was elected to the representative body in April.
Victoria became the first Australian state to sign a treaty with First Nations peoples at the end of 2025, initiating a new process for negotiations with the government. In his address on June 22, Thorpe stated that Victoria stands at a "pivotal moment" in its history.
"The treaty process represents more than political negotiation," Thorpe said. "It is an opportunity to redefine relationships, to acknowledge truths that have too often been ignored, and to establish a foundation based on respect, recognition, and justice."
Thorpe began his speech by acknowledging the land on which the parliament building stands. He spoke of his family's legacy, noting that being born into the Thorpe family placed him "on the front lines from an early age." He recalled early activism, including a protest that halted the destruction of a sacred site.
He also honored his great-grandmother, Alma Thorpe, a co-founder of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service in 1973, stating her legacy inspires his continued advocacy for his community. Andrew Thorpe aims to fight for a treaty that "ensures we thrive with respect and dignity."
Lidia Thorpe, Andrew's mother, became the first Aboriginal senator for Victoria in 2020. The First Peoples' Assembly is led by Meriki Onus and Djaran Murray-Jackson, who were appointed to head the 33-person assembly, which was elected and empowered on May 1. Onus and Murray-Jackson will each earn $348,000 in their leadership roles.