Suprovat Sydney report. During the final vote on a Greens motion Wednesday (June 26, 2024) advocating for Senate recognition of the State of Palestine, Hon Senator Fatima Payman notably broke ranks. She crossed the floor to cast her vote in favour of recognition, joining Green senators Lidia Thorpe and David Pocock, as well as other crossbench senators.

This marks the first instance of a Labor politician crossing the floor during their party’s tenure in government since 1986. According to party regulations, all members are required to align their votes with the stance endorsed by the Labor caucus. Any deviation prompts the caucus to deliberate on potential penalties, which may involve suspension from caucus activities.

While it appears Senator Payman is currently unlikely to face expulsion from the party this morning, the gravity of her decision to cross the floor yesterday cannot be overstated. Her courage in doing so, especially amidst reported disrespect and exclusion from colleagues and superiors since her statement on Nakba Day, May 15, 2024, underscores the challenges she has faced.

Labor Senator Fatima Payman described each step as feeling like a mile after she crossed the floor to support the Palestine motion.

First-term Labor senator Fatima Payman will abstain from attending caucus for the remainder of the parliamentary sitting fortnight following her decision to cross the floor in support of a Greens motion recognizing Palestine’s statehood.

During question time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that he had addressed the issue with the WA senator on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

“I met with Senator Payman earlier today. She will not be participating in the Labor caucus for the remainder of this session,” he stated.

It’s unclear whether she has been suspended from the party room or if she has voluntarily agreed not to attend.

On Tuesday evening, the 29-year-old defied her colleagues, becoming the first Labor member in 18 years to cross the floor.

While her decision risked potential expulsion or suspension from the ALP, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced early on Wednesday that neither of these penalties would be imposed on Senator Payman.

This is a complex matter. Fatima has been clear that she remains committed to her Labor values and intends to represent the people of WA in the Senate as a Labor senator, as elected in the last election.

First-term senator faces party membership risk after voting against her party by backing motion on Palestinian statehood.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asked WA senator Fatima Payman to abstain from a single caucus meeting following her decision to cross the floor in support of a Greens motion for Palestinian state recognition.

Albanese further clarified his objection to the phrase “from the river to the sea,” stating it undermines the necessity for a two-state solution. In May, Payman accused Israel of genocide and defiantly used the contentious phrase, despite Albanese’s position.

Meanwhile, the Greens have called on Albanese to apologize for remarks he made during question time regarding Peter Dutton’s pronouns. Senator Fatima Payman has set a significant example for human rights and has made history in the federal Parliament.

Senator Fatima Payman has demonstrated courageous leadership in advocating for human rights and the recognition of the State of Palestine. Her actions set a powerful example within the federal parliament, showing true bravery and compassion as a leader.

Major Muslim organizations throughout Australia rallied behind Payman, with the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) describing her decision to cross the floor as “courageous.

In a statement, ANIC expressed their solidarity with the Greens’ motion and expressed profound disappointment and dismay at the Albanese government’s decision to reject it.

The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, criticized the government and opposition for voting against the motion, calling it “disgraceful” and accusing Labor of reneging on an election promise to recognize Palestine.”Senator Payman showed great courage and did the right thing,” Bandt stated.

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley criticized Payman for breaking “caucus solidarity,” citing it as an example of Anthony Albanese’s “weak leadership” since October 7th.

If you have a moment today, please reach out to Senator Payman’s office, a courageous female leader, and share some words of encouragement and support.

Parliament House, Canberra Phone (02) 6277 3417 (half an hour ahead)

Perth Phone (08) 6245 3322 (an hour and a half behind), Email: senator.payman@aph.gov.au