Australian pro-Palestine senator launches of new 'Australia's Voice' party

A pro-Palestine senator in Australia announced the launch of a new political party on Wednesday, following her July resignation from the Labor Party after siding with the opposing Greens on a motion in favour of Palestinian statehood. 

Representing Western Australia, Afghan-Australian Fatima Payman said the new Australia's Voice party aims to appeal to voters seeking a shift in the nation’s political landscape, citing public frustration with the dominance of the major parties.  

Speaking from Australia’s Parliament House, Payman emphasised her party’s focus on inclusivity and advocacy for all Australians. 

"Australians are fed up with the major parties having a stranglehold over our democracy. If we need to drag the two major parties kicking and screaming to do what needs to be done, we will," Payman said in a press briefing. 

“This is more than just a party; it’s become a movement for a fairer, more inclusive Australia.” 

While specific policies remain unclear, Payman alluded to her priorities, which include affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and care reform.  

She acknowledged the growing discontent felt by many Australians, saying many have a "feeling of being left behind, of shouting to the void, only for their concerns to fall on deaf ears".

The launch of Australia’s Voice has drawn criticism from the country's main political parties.  

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested Payman should resign her Senate seat due to her defection from Labor.

In response, Payman hinted at the possibility of running candidates against Labor, even considering targeting Albanese’s seat.  

Payman also highlighted that her party would allow members to vote according to their consciences on significant issues. 

The senator clarified that her party would not primarily focus on Muslim communities or candidates, despite speculation following her departure from the Labor Party over its stance on the war in Gaza. 

Payman has reiterated her condemnation of the government’s stance on Israel's actions in the Middle East, describing the situation as an "ongoing genocide" that demands a response marked by “a sense of urgency and moral clarity”.  

After voting in favour of establishing a Palestinian state in July, she faced suspension from the Labor caucus, which ultimately led to her resignation from the party. 

While the Albanese government has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza since December of last year, Labor has refrained from supporting the Greens' calls to label Israel’s actions as genocide. 

Australia has consistently condemned the Hamas attacks and called for the release of the captives, while also urging Israel to comply with international humanitarian law.