EXCLUSIVE: The Labor senator has spoken to 6 News for the first time since her decision.
Labor senator Fatima Payman has spoken to 6 News in her very first interview since she crossed the floor to support Palestinian state recognition.
Payman explained her stance on Gaza and reaffirmed her commitment to Labor Party values, despite the backlash.
The Senator described the mixed reactions she has received from her colleagues, noting that many have shown support for her mental health, while others have criticized her actions.
“I’ve had many welfare checks from colleagues, both in the Senate and in the House of Reps,” she said.
“Many have shown their support for my mental health and making sure that I don’t feel alone.”
However, she acknowledged that some of her colleagues were upset by her crossing the floor and her statements regarding Gaza.
“When I was crossing the floor, I crossed it knowing that there was going to be the potential expulsion as a consequence,” she said.
“But when I was crossing the floor, it was for my conscience and also understanding that I was standing for the ethos of the Labor Party, what we have put in the platform, what our rank and file members have asked for, what my West Australian constituents have called on.”
“It is really important for me to ensure that what I’ve done isn’t just a once-off gesture, but rather, I know that this is part of an incremental move towards recognising Palestine but also it’s about reinstating that hope within our communities, showing them that yes, we do listen, we are representing your voices.”
Despite potential repercussions, including expulsion from the Labor Party, Payman expressed her desire to continue advocating for justice and recognition of Palestine.
She clarified that her actions were not meant to appease the Greens or any other party, and said that she uphold Labor values and remains committed to her party.
With reporting from WAMN News