Melbourne independent senator Lidia Thorpe has found herself at the center of yet another political storm after declaring at a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne that she would “burn down Parliament House” if that’s what it took to make a point.

Her fiery words — spoken on Sunday in front of a large crowd gathered on the steps of the State Library Victoria — have sparked widespread condemnation from both Labor and the Coalition, with many accusing Lidia Thorpe of using language that risks inflaming tensions at a time when Australians are hoping for calm.

What Happened at the Melbourne Rally

The Melbourne Rally That Sparked a Firestorm

Speaking to hundreds gathered outside the State Library Victoria on Sunday, Lidia Thorpe declared:

“We stand with you every day, and we will fight every day, and we will turn up every day — and if I have to burn down Parliament House to make a point… I am not here to make friends.”

The comment came just as reports of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas reached Australia. Her words quickly ricocheted through Melbourne’s political circles and national headlines, reigniting debate about how far protest language should go.

The comment came as news broke of a ceasefire in Gaza, following months of devastating conflict. Melbourne, like much of Australia, has seen passionate rallies on both sides of the debate — but Thorpe’s remark instantly lit up social media and national headlines.

Labor Ministers Call for Calm

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek labelled Thorpe’s remark “absolutely irresponsible” on Seven’s Sunrise, adding that Australians now want peace, not provocation.

“We want the hostages returned, we want aid into Gaza, and we want rebuilding to begin,” Plibersek said.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke urged politicians to “turn down the temperature,” telling ABC RN that leaders should focus on helping the ceasefire hold.

“The concept of wanting to inflame, push the temperature up, is not what anyone should be doing — least of all a member of parliament,” Burke said.

He added that Australians want two things: “the killing to end” and “the conflict not brought here.”

Cabinet minister Amanda Rishworth struck a similar tone on Nine’s Today:

“People have the right to protest, but it must be done respectfully. Any comments that inflame violence and hatred are inappropriate.”

Backlash From Both Major Parties

Federal ministers and opposition figures were quick to condemn the senator’s words.

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described Thorpe’s statement as “absolutely irresponsible”, telling Seven’s Sunrise that Australians now want to see peace — not more heat.

“What we know for sure is that Australians want peace in the Middle East. We want the hostages returned, aid flowing back into Gaza, and the rebuilding to begin,” Plibersek said.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke echoed that view on ABC RN, saying politicians should be doing everything possible to “turn down the temperature.”

“The idea of inflaming or pushing things higher is not what anyone should be doing — least of all a member of parliament,” Burke said.

“We might be looking at a real chance for the killing to end, so let’s also try to calm things down here.”

Cabinet Minister Amanda Rishworth added on Nine’s Today that while Australians have the right to protest, it must be done respectfully.

“Any comments that inflame violence or hatred are inappropriate. If fighting can stop in the Middle East, we need to turn the temperature down here at home too.”

Opposition Says Thorpe Has Gone Too Far

From the other side of politics, Deputy Opposition Leader Ted O’Brien and Liberal Senator Jane Hume also slammed Thorpe’s comments.

O’Brien suggested the tone of some pro-Palestine protests in Melbourne “goes against Australia’s values”, while Hume accused the government of brushing off Thorpe’s words instead of taking them seriously.

“They treat her like some crazy relative at a Christmas party rather than taking her threats seriously,” Hume told Sky News.

“There are more than 2000 people working in Parliament House every day. They deserve to feel safe in their workplace.”

Mixed Reaction Across Melbourne

Melburnians remain divided. Supporters of Lidia Thorpe view her language as symbolic protest, expressing rage at injustice. Critics argue it’s reckless rhetoric that risks inflaming tensions.

Social media lit up overnight with hashtags #LidiaThorpe, #MelbourneRally, and #FreePalestine trending locally. Political observers say the reaction reflects Melbourne’s long tradition of passionate activism — but also highlights the need for measured voices as emotions run high.

Lidia Thorpe

Tanya Plibersek, Minister of Social Services.

Tanya Plibersek is a long term member of the Australian Labor Party and one of its senior figures.

• Electorate: Sydney (NSW) in parliament since 1998.

• Background: She was born in Sydney to Slovenian parents and studied communications and politics at UTS before joining politics with Labor, which also has the progressive wing.

• Career: Previously a Deputy Leader of the Labor Party (2013/2019) and an effective social justice, housing and gender equality campaigner.

• Position now: Albanese Government Minister of Social Services. Her communication style is very calm and firm and is usually called to address sensitive issues in the country.

Tony Burke Minister Employment and Workplace Relations / Leader of the House.

Tony Burke is a member of parliament and the elector of Watson in Sydney and is one of the most experienced parliamentary tacticians of the labor party.

• In parliament since: 2004.

• Childhood: Born and brought up in Punchbowl, NSW – did some work in union organizing and then joined politics.

• Career achievements: Minister of Agriculture, Arts and Immigration in the Rudd Gillard governments.

• Present position: Head of industrial relations in the House of Representatives – government business. He is perceived as a tough communicator who frequently requests to turn down the temperature when divisive debates are taking place.

Amanda Rishworth Minister (Social Services Families, Children and Youth).

Amanda Rishworth is a South Australian Labor member of parliament for the seat Kingston since 2007.

• Background: Past psychologist, small-business owner; active in student politics and in Labor youth movements.

• Portfolio area: Childcare, parenting support and family policy.

• Style: Rishworth has been pragmatic and measured in style, advocating respectful public debate, and bringing into the focus of national debate the wellbeing of the community.

Why It Matters for Melbourne Politics

Melbourne has always been at the heart of Australia’s protest culture, from climate marches to Indigenous rights movements. Thorpe’s outburst touches a deeper question – where’s the line between activism and incitement?

At a time when global eyes are on Gaza and Australians hope for lasting peace, national leaders are urging cooler heads. Whether Thorpe’s words were metaphorical or not, they’ve reignited a conversation about responsibility, respect, and leadership in modern Australian politics.

Lidia Thorpe’s latest outburst has once again put her at the forefront of political controversy — and the heart of Melbourne’s public debate.

Whether her words were metaphorical or not, they’ve sparked a conversation about responsibility in activism, respect for institutions, and what leadership should look like in a city known for speaking its mind.

As Melbourne watches the situation unfold, one thing’s certain – this story isn’t cooling down anytime soon.

For now, Senator Lidia Thorpe has not retracted her statement, and the political fallout continues. As Melbourne talks — in cafés, on trams, and across social media — one thing’s clear – the debate over protest, power, and accountability in Australia’s most outspoken city is far from over.

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