Senator Fatima Payman has resigned from Australia’s ruling Labor Party after a backlash from her vote supporting a motion on Palestinian statehood, diverging from her party’s stance. This decision came after she crossed the Senate floor to vote against the government’s position, leading to her “indefinite suspension” from the Labor caucus and prompting her resignation.
Payman, 29, cited the issue as a matter of deep personal conviction. “This is a matter I cannot compromise on,” she stated on Thursday. She expressed being “deeply torn” over her decision but remained firm in her stand for what she believed was just. She explained that her family’s history as refugees from war-torn Afghanistan deeply influenced her perspective. “Unlike my colleagues, I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of injustice. My family did not flee a war-torn country to come here as refugees for me to remain silent when I see atrocities inflicted on innocent people,” she said during a press conference announcing her resignation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the resignation, noting that Payman had expressed gratitude for his leadership and dismissed allegations that she was coerced into resigning. Despite her departure from the Labor Party, Payman will continue to serve as an independent senator on the crossbench.
Fatima Payman is notable for being Australia’s first and only hijab-wearing federal politician. Her family fled Afghanistan in 1996 when the Taliban seized power. This background has influenced her strong advocacy on human rights issues, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza has become a contentious topic within Australian politics. Following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages, the Israeli military launched a campaign targeting Hamas in Gaza. According to the local health ministry, over 37,900 people in Gaza have died since the conflict began.
The Australian government officially supports a two-state solution but did not endorse the motion on Palestinian statehood, citing the need for recognition to be part of a broader peace process. Payman’s stance attracted both substantial support and criticism. Some colleagues commended her decision, while others pressured her to align with party policies. Payman also reported receiving death threats and disturbing emails from the public following her vote.
Prime Minister Albanese, who enforced Payman’s suspension, had suggested she could return to the party if she adhered to collective decisions. However, Payman claimed she had been “exiled” from the party’s caucus activities and removed from all internal communications.
As she transitions to the crossbench, Payman’s move highlights the complexities of balancing personal convictions with party loyalty in the context of international conflicts and domestic politics.
