Supreme Court Hears Case on Mabo Day
Aboriginal elder Djuran Bunjileenee, known as Uncle Robbie Thorpe, is continuing his fight to expose genocide against First Peoples, with his case involving King Charles III being heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The hearing takes place on 3rd June at 10am, coinciding with Mabo Day.
Supporters of Uncle Robbie Thorpe gathered for a smoking ceremony and public statement outside the Supreme Court located at 459 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. At 10.45am, the Aboriginal Genocide Case was heard in the Court of Appeal.
According to Uncle Robbie Thorpe, "Genocide is a crime, not just globally, but right here in our backyard. If we are serious about stopping genocide around the world, we must start by eradicating it here in so-called Australia."
Significance of Mabo Day
The case's timing on Mabo Day is symbolic, marking the 34th anniversary of the High Court's decision in Mabo v Queensland, which overturned the doctrine of terra nullius. Uncle Robbie Thorpe argues that this legal fiction was an act of premeditated genocide.
In December 2023, the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria declined to issue proceedings related to a private prosecution attempt against King Charles III. A judicial review was requested, leading to a Supreme Court hearing on 19th July 2024.
Justice Melinda Richards ruled on 5th February 2025 that the proceedings could not be issued, as Victorian courts do not recognise First Peoples’ sovereign law and because genocide has not been incorporated into Australian common law. Prosecutions under the Commonwealth Criminal Code require federal attorney-general consent.
The appeal focuses on the issues of ongoing genocide against First Peoples, sovereignty, and the potential prosecution of senior Crown representatives under international genocide law.
Uncle Robbie Thorpe emphasised, "It is a continuing act of genocide until they get consent, until they get treaties." The case seeks accountability for colonial violence and recognition of Aboriginal justice and sovereignty.
The hearing can be viewed via livestream on the Supreme Court of Victoria's website, providing access to wider audiences interested in the case's proceedings.
Last updated: 3 June 2026, 6:05 pm
