Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has recently faced scrutiny over her attendance record in the Senate, having participated in only 46.2% of votes since the 2022 election. Reports reveal that she has taken more unexplained days off than any other senator this term.
Official attendance records indicate that Thorpe has been absent for 11 days without seeking leave. While senators can request leave before or after their absence, this procedure is generally straightforward.
In a written statement to Guardian Australia, Thorpe expressed her intention to address her attendance issues before the parliament resumes. “This isn’t an issue,” she stated. “There is no time limit on seeking leave. My office will manage this during the next parliamentary sitting weeks.”
Thorpe has already been granted an additional 40 days of leave during the current session, which is second only to former Senator Patrick Dodson, who took 54 days while battling cancer. “Despite what some may say, I do not take my position in the Senate lightly,” Thorpe emphasized. “I am committed to my responsibilities, and my small team works exceptionally hard.”
The Senator explained that her absences are linked to a serious injury sustained earlier this year at a public event. “I was assaulted and suffered significant nerve and spinal injuries in my neck, which required surgery and the insertion of a plate,” she said. “I have a scar on the front of my neck as a result. My doctor advised me not to travel and to take time off work during my recovery.”
Thorpe mentioned that she opted to reveal this information only after media inquiries regarding her attendance. “I would have preferred to keep this matter private and won’t comment further at this time,” she added.
Out of the 1,238 votes held in the Senate since the last election, data shows Thorpe has only been present for 572. While there are various reasons for senators missing votes—including illness and official commitments—the data does not specify reasons for each absence. Senators can notify the Senate of their absence and indicate their voting intentions, allowing for arrangements to be made to maintain voting balance among parties.
Thorpe noted that despite her absence, she remains engaged with legislative issues and ensures her voting positions are represented. “When I haven’t been in Parliament, I’ve still been following the agenda, ensuring my stances are reflected through pairing arrangements,” she stated.
Senator Pauline Hanson from Queensland’s One Nation party has also been absent for seven days without leave, while Tasmanian independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has missed six days. Hansen’s office declined to comment, while Lambie’s spokesperson stated she was currently traveling and unavailable.
Across the board, senators from various parties—Liberal National Party, Liberal Party, Country Liberal Party, Labor Party, Greens, One Nation, United Australia Party, and other independents—have taken varying numbers of unexplained days off, with 44 out of 76 senators having no unexplained absences at all.
