Fatima Payman suspended because of tax cuts rather than Gaza, says Anthony Albanese

Labor cabinet minister Anne Aly says it is more important for Australia to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza than recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Aly told ABC Radio she hopes Senator Fatima Payman remains in the party after she crossed the floor last week to vote for a Greens motion to recognise Palestinian statehood before being suspended from the Labor caucus.

Payman explained her move by arguing that while prominent Labor figures including Foreign Minister Penny Wong voted against their personal beliefs to follow the party line on gay marriage in a bid to make steady collective progress, Palestinians could not wait.

But Aly in response said Payman and the Australian parliament could better assist Palestinians by calling for an immediate ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid.

“I think the immediate need right now for people in Palestine is a ceasefire and humanitarian aid,” Aly said.

“Australia recognizing Palestinian statehood would send a strong message, but it will not lead to statehood. And it will not lead to a ceasefire or increased humanitarian aid, which is needed right now.”

The Youth Minister said that Payman did not vote for, or speak about, a separate Labor motion to recognise Palestine as part of a two-state solution during a caucus motion.

“I’m not trying to make it sound easy here. It’s not always easy. But there is a very democratic process within our party,” Aly said.

“Fatima comes from within the party, she’s been a member, she’s participated in party processes. So she knows, and she has in the past always had the ability, and, I hope, felt comfortable to raise her voice. Why she didn’t on that particular day is a question for her.

“I hope she stays, I really do. I have fought long and hard to ensure we have a diverse representation in parliament… whether it’s diversity in background, ethnicity, age, gender. I think our party is better for that diversity.”