# Lidia Thorpe’s little-known ex-tradie son, 35, makes debut speech to parliament as part of Victoria’s controversial Indigenous treaty

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/lidia-thorpes-little-known-ex-tradie-son-35-makes-debut-speech-to-parliament-as-part-of-victorias-controversial-indigenous-treaty/
- Published: 2026-07-24T08:47:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-28T02:35:49+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16001555/lidia-thorpe-son-andrew-victoria-treaty.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, Art, Culture, Geopolitics, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Andrew Thorpe, 35, gives debut speech in Victoria's parliament.
- He is the son of senator Lidia Thorpe, a former tradesman.
- Speech ties into Victoria's contested Indigenous treaty process.

## Summary

Andrew Thorpe, the 35-year-old son of Australian senator Lidia Thorpe, has made his first speech to the Victorian parliament as part of the state's contested Indigenous treaty process. His emergence marks a notable moment given that he has kept a low public profile compared with his mother, who is one of Australia's most prominent and outspoken Indigenous political figures, meaning his appearance draws fresh attention to the family and to the wider treaty debate in Victoria.

The Victorian treaty process, which aims to establish formal negotiating arrangements between the state government and Aboriginal communities, has proved politically divisive, with critics questioning its scope and supporters arguing it is a necessary step towards reconciliation and self-determination. Thorpe's background as a former tradesman, rather than a career politician, sets him apart from his mother's high-profile activism, and his debut speech is being seen as a personal entry into public life as well as a moment tied to the broader, ongoing debate over the treaty's implementation.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.