Labor Senator Crosses Floor to Back Palestine

Question marks linger over Senator Fatima Payman’s future in Labor following move to side with the Greens.

Labor Senator Fatima Payman speaks to the media after crossing the floor on a motion moved by the Australian Greens to recognise the State of Palestine at Parliament House in Canberra, on June 25, 2024. Lukas Coch/AAP

West Australian Senator Fatima Payman became the first Labor member to cross the floor since 2005 after she sided with the Greens on a vote to declare a Palestinian state.

Speaking to media after the move, Ms. Payman referenced former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke, who she said stated in 2017 that Australia should join other nations in the world who recognise a Palestinian state.