While police described Thorpe's injuries as minor, she claims to have suffered serious nerve and spinal injuries that required surgery, impacting her attendance in the Senate.

Bell, who is a Koori woman, did not attend the court in person due to threats, and her lawyer argued against releasing Thorpe's name as a complainant.

Magistrate Belinda Franjic ruled that Thorpe's name could be released to the media since she had publicly identified herself.

Ebony Bell, a 28-year-old woman, has been charged with two counts of recklessly causing injury and three counts of unlawful assault against Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, following an incident that occurred during the Dreamtime AFL game on May 25.

The alleged assault took place outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground after the Essendon-Richmond match, and Bell was arrested on July 25 after the incident was reported to police the following day.

Despite her absences, Thorpe has emphasized her ongoing commitment to legislative matters and her role as an independent senator.

Thorpe has been absent from parliament due to her medical issues, which she has chosen to keep private, and has missed 51 out of 138 Senate sitting days this term.

Thorpe revealed that the assault led to her needing surgery and the insertion of a plate in her neck, which has significantly affected her ability to fulfill her Senate duties.

In addition to the assault case, Thorpe recently made headlines for her outspoken criticism of the monarchy during a royal reception, where she declared that King Charles III is not their king.

Currently free on bail, Bell appeared via video link in court due to recent threats against her, and her next court appearance is scheduled for November 22.

Bell's lawyer has pointed out significant deficiencies in the prosecution's case and mentioned an offer for a plea deal that he has yet to consider.

The charges against Bell relate specifically to the alleged assault on Senator Thorpe, with only two of the five charges directly pertaining to this incident.