Lidia Thorpe says ‘no issue’ with missing a third of sitting days, citing assault that led to spinal injuries

Independent senator says her doctor ordered her not to travel, after records reveal she attended just 46.2% of votes since the 2022 election

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The independent senator Lidia Thorpe has taken more unexplained days off from parliament this term than any other senator and participated in less than half of all Senate votes in that time, according to official attendance records.

The records show that in the 47th parliament, Thorpe has been absent for 11 days without obtaining leave from the Senate. Permission for leave can be sought before being absent, or afterwards, and is generally granted.

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