Controversial MP Lidia Thorpe ordered to remove Palestinian protest flag during online Senate hearing

A parliamentary hearing was interrupted by a pro-Palestinian protest by controversial Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe.

Senator Thorpe was attending the Senate Estimates hearing by video conference from her Melbourne office on Friday when a Palestinian protest flag was seen on the shelves behind her. 

The flag was embossed with the words 'Free Palestine'.

Parliamentary rules state that attendants may not bring 'protest signs' or wear 'clothing with political or protest slogans'.

As Palestine is not a recognised country, the flag was considered a 'protest sign' and 'Free Palestine' a political statement. 

As a result Senator Thorpe was ordered to remove the sign or switch her camera off. 

Although Senator Thorpe was in her own office, she was still considered to be in attendance at the senate hearing. 

Chair of Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee Senator Louise Pratt warned Senator Thorpe.

'I need to advise Senator Thorpe that a point of order has been raised with me privately about… signs and protest signs and activist materials not being allowed on your screen,' Senator Pratt said.

'Senator Thorpe, it's helpful if we can see you.' 

Senator Thorpe was told to either remove the flag or disable her camera when she addressed the hearing. 

Senator Thorpe replied: 'Did you want me to rearrange my office? Because I'm in my office and we need to free Palestine. There's a genocide going on.'

Senator Pratt replied, 'Thank you Senator Thorpe,' before calling on the next speaker.

When Senator Thorpe next appeared, the flag was not visible. 

Senator Thorpe is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause.

Last month she addressed pro-Palestine protesters who interrupted the Victorian state Labor conference at the Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne.

In October last year Senator Thorpe arrived in the Senate chamber for the first day of sitting wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf.  

The current Israeli-Palestinian conflict began when militants burst into southern Israel on October 7 last year, killing some 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking around 250 hostages.

More than 100 were released during a November cease-fire in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel's offensive in response to the attack has killed at least 36,096 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians.

Israel says it has killed 15,000 militants.

A ceasefire is still being negotiated.