Senator Fatima Payman has quit the Labor Party after she was indefinitely suspended. Senator Fatima Payman has officially resigned from the Labor Party, effective immediately, and will now sit as an independent on the crossbench.
In an emotional press conference this afternoon, Payman announced her decision, just days after being suspended for crossing the floor and voting in favor of a Greens motion to recognize Palestine as a state. “I do not believe my principles align with those of the Labor Party leadership,” she declared.
With tears in her eyes, Payman explained, “With a heavy heart but a clear conscience, I announce my resignation from the Australian Labor Party. I have informed the Prime Minister that, effective immediately, I will sit on the crossbench to represent Western Australia.” She emphasized that her stance on Palestine was non-negotiable, saying it was a matter she could not compromise on.
Payman, Australia’s first hijab-wearing senator, broke over 100 years of protocol by voting against her party last week. As a result, she was indefinitely suspended. Since then, she and her family have received death threats and confronting emails. She also alleged that she faced intimidation from her colleagues, claiming some did not want to sit next to her in the chamber, and others employed stand-up tactics to pressure her. “And also controlling and constantly pushing me for an answer when I had not made a decision about whether I would cross the floor,” she added.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other high-ranking Labor members have disputed her claims of intimidation. Payman stated that while she was proud to have served Labor, she felt compelled to conform and toe the party line. “My family did not flee from a war-torn country to come here as refugees for me to remain silent when I see atrocities inflicted on innocent people,” she said. “I see no middle ground, and my conscience leaves me no choice.”
When asked about her future plans, Payman said she does not plan on forming a party at this stage, but added enigmatically, “Stay tuned.”
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