There are severe consequences for undermining the collective positions of the Australian Labor Party, and disobedience can result in expulsion—a precedent that dates back 130 years.
Before Ms. Payman was even born, one of its lawmakers had already taken a chance while in office.
However, the 29-year-old did exactly that last Tuesday when he backed a motion on Palestinian statehood alongside senators from the Green Party and independents.
The Australian government did not support the motion while officially supporting a two-state solution. This was due to their unsuccessful attempt to include a condition stating that any recognition should come “as part of a peace process.”
Hours later, Ms. Payman was ordered to leave her party room temporarily; by the end of the week, the suspension would be permanent because she had made a public commitment to never cross the floor again if given the chance.
“By her own actions and statements, Senator Payman has placed herself outside the privilege that comes with participating in the federal parliamentary Labor Party caucus,” a representative for the administration stated.
Anthony Albanese, the prime minister and leader of Labor, put it succinctly: “No individual is bigger than the team.”
Ms. Payman replied on Monday, stating that she had been “exiled” and retracting her participation in committees, group chats, and caucus sessions.
