Biography
Lidia Alma Thorpe (born 18 August 1973), or simply Lidia Thorpe, is a prominent Australian politician who has served as an independent senator for Victoria since 2020.
As a proud member of the DjabWurrung and Gunnai Gunditjmara people, Lidia Thorpe holds a special place as Victoria’s first Aboriginal senator. Lidia’s incredible journey has made her a beacon of empowerment and representation for Aboriginal communities across the country.
Australian Senator
Lidia Thorpe |
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 Lidia Thorpe: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Full name: | Lidia Alma Thorpe |
| Stage name: | Lidia Thorpe |
| Born: | August 18, 1973 (age 50) |
| Place of birth: | Carlton, Australia |
| Nationality: | Australia |
| Education: | Swinburne University of Technology |
| Height: | 1.67 meters |
| Parents: | Roy Illingworth and Marjorie Thorpe |
| Siblings: | Meriki Kalinya Responsibility |
| Couple: | Divorced |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Gavan McFadzean (2019-2022) |
| The children: | 3 |
| Job: | Politician |
| Net worth: | $1 million – $5 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Lidia Thorpe, a proud DjabWurrung, Gunnai and Gunditjmara woman, was born on 18 August 1973 in Carlton, Victoria, Australia. Growing up, she was raised by her father, Roy Illingworth, along with her mother, Marjorie Thorpe, and her cousins, Alister Thorpe, Lisa Thorpe and Alice Pepper.
Her sister’s name is Meriki Kalinya Onus. Lidia Thorpe pursued her education, obtaining a Certificate IV in Indigenous Leadership, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Sector Management and a Graduate Diploma in Community Development from Swinburne University of Technology. Despite becoming a single mother at the age of 17, Lidia persevered and became a respected figure in society.
Career
Lidia Thorpe’s political journey began when she was elected to the Victorian Aboriginal Advisory Committee in 2004. For six years, she fought tirelessly for the rights of Aboriginal people. Then, in 2010, she joined the Victorian Greens and became their spokesperson on key issues such as Aboriginal affairs, mental health, consumer affairs and sport.
A major milestone came in 2017 when Lidia won the seat of Northcote in the Victorian Legislative Council, making her the first Aboriginal woman to do so. She remained a strong voice for important causes throughout her time there, gaining respect and influence in politics.
In 2020, Lidia Thorpe took on an even bigger role as Victoria’s first Indigenous senator, taking over the seat where Richard Di Natale resigned. She remains a prominent figure in the Greens, advocating for the Indigenous community, justice and sport.
However, in early 2023, Lidia left the Greens over disagreements over the Indigenous Voices bill in Parliament. She believed the bill would not truly represent Aboriginal people and was concerned that it could undermine Indigenous rights. Despite leaving the party, Lidia remains an independent senator, representing Victoria with passion and dedication.
Known for her public support for Aboriginal rights, Lidia Thorpe has not been shy about criticising the government’s treatment of Indigenous Australians. She has been a strong advocate for a treaty between the government and Aboriginal communities and has pushed for the creation of a self-governing Aboriginal state, emphasizing the importance of black sovereignty.
Social media
- Twitter: @SenatorThorpe
- Instagram: @senatorthorpe
- Facebook: Senator Lidia Thorpe
Personal life
Lidia Thorpe, 50, is currently single. She separated from her husband some time ago, but they are raising their children together. Despite the challenges, Lidia is a proud mother of three, and as of April 2022, she is extremely happy to be a grandmother of four adorable grandchildren.
While studying as a single mother, Lidia Thorpe pursued her passion for policy at university. In 2019, she found love with Gavan McFadzean, who worked as the Climate Change and Clean Energy Program Manager for the Australian Conservation Foundation. Sadly, their relationship didn’t last and they split in 2022.
Net worth
Lidia Thorpe’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This figure is based on her salary as a senator, which is $221,250 a year, along with her assets and investments. Thorpe has not made her net worth public, but this estimate is based on publicly available information.
