Government MPs express disappointment over WA senator’s decision as Greens and crossbench praise move
Fatima Payman says she is “grieving” after deciding to quit Labor to sit as an independent, a move that party president Wayne Swan claims will “empower Labor’s opponents on the far right”.
Labor MPs had said as late as Thursday morning that they hoped Payman would remain on the government benches. In her press conference, Payman claimed she had experienced “a mixed response” from former colleagues, alleging she had been subject to “intimidation”. She also claimed information about her situation was being inappropriately shared by others and that some senators didn’t want to sit near her in the chamber.
On Thursday, Payman downplayed suggestions she might seek to start her own political party or collaborate with Muslim community organisations which are launching campaigns against Labor MPs in western Sydney and Melbourne seats. She also said she would not join the Greens. “ will put pressure on Israel to ensure that it cannot act with impunity, that it does not just continue conducting the way it is. This is an incremental step towards something that’s greater, and I know that Australia will not stop the war single-handedly. But if a small country like Norway can recognise the state of Palestine, I think we can be a leader now.”In a statement posted to Labor’s official social media accounts, party president Swan backed Labor’s rule of caucus solidarity.
“Senator Payman’s decision to place herself outside the party can only empower Labor’s opponents on the far right and on the left who have always opposed progressive foreign, economic and environmental policy.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Labor senator Fatima Payman 'indefinitely suspended' from Labor Party caucusLabor senator Fatima Payman has been 'indefinitely suspended' from the Labor Party caucus by the prime minister after a series of defiant actions regarding her support for Palestine.
Read more »
Why Fatima Payman crossing the floor caused a debate in the Labor PartyWestern Australian senator Fatima Payman has become the first Australian Labor Party member to vote against her party since 2005. So, what are the party's rules? And what happens to those who break them?
Read more »
Labor group praises Fatima Payman for upholding party ‘principles and policy’ to cross floorLabor Friends of Palestine hit out at federal Labor’s stance as ‘weakening’ commitment to Palestinian statehood
Read more »
Labor senator Fatima Payman quits party committee in further sign of isolationThe senator also stepped down from two parliamentary foreign affairs committees last week after comments accusing Israel of conducting a “genocide” in Gaza.
Read more »
Labor senator Fatima Payman quits party committee in further sign of isolationThe senator also stepped down from two parliamentary foreign affairs committees last week after comments accusing Israel of conducting a “genocide” in Gaza.
Read more »
Labor senator Fatima Payman quits party committee in further sign of isolationThe senator also stepped down from two parliamentary foreign affairs committees last week after comments accusing Israel of conducting a “genocide” in Gaza.
Read more »