Labor frontbencher Malarndirri McCarthy has called a fellow Indigenous senator a "disgrace to your people" in a fiery exchange about funding for First Nations people.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe used Senate estimates to push government officials about how money was being spent in the Northern Territory to support Indigenous communities, particularly younger people.
Rachael Jackson from the National Indigenous Australians Agency outlined how some of the cash had been assigned to the NT police force to help address safety and security concerns.
"In the most recent announcements, $14.2 million was provided for high-visibility police and law-enforcement operations," she said.
"This includes targeting grog-running, increasing liquor-licensing compliance and boosting security guards in public places.
"There was $10 million for justice reinvestment initiatives in Central Australia."
Senator Thorpe, who has previously protested against police at Mardi Gras and has been pulled to the ground by officers, said she was appalled by the decision to give "black money" to police, and questioned Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy over the government's decision.
"I am so disgusted when the Northern Territory police get $14 million when our youth services are struggling," she yelled.
"How can you let this happen, Senator McCarthy?"
Senator McCarthy accused Senator Thorpe of disrespecting members of the Indigenous community.
"How dare you, when we have First Nations people working in the police force … who are doing their best to improve the situation across the Northern Territory?" she said.
"Shame on you. You are the one who brings disgrace, you bring disgrace not only to this Senate but to your own people, you are an absolute disgrace.
"How dare you, rubbishing all these people, rubbishing all the staff, rubbishing everyone for your agenda? You are a disgrace to the Senate and you're a disgrace to your people."
Senator Thorpe yelled that "police are police" and declared that "they are the ones killing our people", referencing cases of Indigenous deaths such as Kumanjayi Walker.
Then-constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of all charges, including murder, manslaughter and engaging in a violent act causing death, however, he was officially dismissed from the Northern Territory Police Force earlier this year.
Both senators later withdrew their remarks, but Senator Thorpe then started packing up her items and had one last go at Senator McCarthy before leaving the room.
"Just look after the cops, absolute disgrace. No wonder the Northern Territory is in a mess," she said.
Earlier this year, the federal government announced it would provide $25 million for services in Alice Springs to allow their work to continue past June 30.
Ten community organisations were provided funding, such as groups that run residential rehabilitation programs, as well as violence-prevention programs.
The funding was in addition to the $250 million plan, labelled A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia, that was announced earlier this year amid escalating problems in Alice Springs.
Thorpe accuses former Greens colleagues of failing to act on racism
Senator Thorpe also interjected during a separate estimates hearing involving the ABC, to accuse a former Greens colleague of failing to act on racism within the party.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young was questioning ABC executives over their handling of racist abuse directed at journalist Stan Grant.
Senator Thorpe interjected, questioning Senator Hanson-Young.
"Why didn't you stand up for racism in the party, against me? You're asking ridiculous questions," she said.
The chair of the committee, Senator Karen Grogan, intervened.
"Senator Thorpe, it is up to each senator to ask whichever questions they like," she said.
"Yeah well, she needs to look at herself," Senator Thorpe responded.
Senator Thorpe quit the Greens earlier this year, primarily over divisions within the party on the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
She has also made allegations that she has been sexually harassed and assaulted within Parliament House, including within the Senate chamber, by Labor and Coalition parliamentarians.
And she has alleged she was bullied by members of the Greens.
Senator Hanson-Young later returned to the committee to reject the earlier comments from Senator Thorpe.
"I'd just like to put on the record that I reject any accusation made by Senator Thorpe," she said.
