Roshan Kumar
Lidia Thorpe, the independent senator for Victoria, has made a significant impact in Australian politics, particularly as an advocate for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. As a member of the DjabWurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara peoples, she is not only a vocal political figure but also one of the few Aboriginal women to rise to a prominent role in federal politics. Alongside her activism and political career, there is considerable public interest in her financial standing, particularly her estimated net worth.
Political Career and Sources of Income
Thorpe’s primary source of income stems from her role as a federal senator. Australian senators earn a base salary of approximately AUD 221,250 per year. Thorpe’s involvement in politics began with her election to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 2017, where she served as the first Aboriginal woman to represent the electorate of Northcote. In 2020, she transitioned to federal politics, becoming the first Aboriginal senator from Victoria. After leaving the Australian Greens in 2023, Thorpe now serves as an independent senator, representing the Blak Sovereign Movement.
Thorpe’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, according to multiple sources. This estimate is largely based on her salary, assets, and public investments. Though Thorpe has not publicly disclosed the specifics of her financial assets, this range is consistent with her long-standing political career and the compensation she has received as a senator
How Does Thorpe’s Advocacy Impact Her Financial Status?
Lidia Thorpe’s career has often been intertwined with controversy, which has led to both increased public scrutiny and greater attention to her finances. For example, her split from the Australian Greens in early 2023 reportedly resulted in her receiving significant financial compensation—some estimates suggest up to AUD 1 million—as part of the separation from the party. This figure, combined with her regular salary as a senator, contributes to her overall wealth.
Her outspoken stance on Indigenous sovereignty, as well as her advocacy for a treaty and truth-telling, has not only defined her political career but also attracted attention to her financial dealings. Critics have occasionally questioned her financial gains, particularly in light of her anti-colonial stance, but Thorpe continues to focus on her political mission, emphasizing her commitment to representing First Nations peoples.
Personal Life and Financial Standing
Outside of her political career, Lidia Thorpe has maintained a relatively private personal life. She is a single mother of three children and a grandmother, balancing her family responsibilities with her public duties. Thorpe’s personal resilience is well-documented—she has spoken openly about overcoming challenges such as domestic violence, financial struggles, and bankruptcy earlier in her life. These personal experiences have deeply influenced her political positions, particularly on issues related to social justice and support for marginalized communities
Despite the challenges she has faced, Thorpe’s rise in politics has been financially rewarding, allowing her to build a comfortable net worth. Her estimated assets place her among the wealthier Indigenous politicians in Australia, although she continues to focus her efforts on advocating for those less privileged.
Conclusion
Lidia Thorpe’s estimated net worth, ranging between $1 million and $5 million, reflects both her success in politics and the compensation that comes with being a federal senator in Australia. Despite the controversies and challenges surrounding her career, Thorpe remains committed to her role as an advocate for Indigenous rights, continuing to push for meaningful reforms such as a treaty and truth-telling processes. Her financial standing, while a topic of public interest, ultimately underscores her enduring influence in Australian politics
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