Lidia Thorpe absent from Senate meetings due to spinal injury
- Lidia Thorpe has recorded the lowest attendance in the Senate, participating in less than half of the votes since the 2022 election.
- Her health issues arose after a public assault that resulted in serious spinal injuries, requiring surgery and a doctor's orders for recovery.
- Despite her challenges, Thorpe remains committed to her role as a senator and plans to rectify her attendance situation in the next sitting.
In Australia, independent senator Lidia Thorpe has faced scrutiny regarding her attendance in the Senate. Official records indicate she attended only 46.2% of votes since the 2022 election, missing 11 days without prior leave and taking a total of 40 days off. Thorpe's absences stem from serious spinal injuries sustained in an assault earlier this year, which required surgery and a doctor’s recommendation to avoid travel and work. Despite her health challenges, she assures her commitment to her role, stating she remains engaged with legislative proceedings through pairing arrangements during her absence. Thorpe opted to disclose her health situation only in response to media inquiries to clarify her attendance record and maintain transparency regarding her responsibilities as a senator. While facing criticism, she emphasizes her dedication to public service and intends to address her attendance when parliament reconvenes.