When was the last time we saw a major party MP or Senator specifically acting on their conscience? Senator Payman is to be commended for her courage against the suffocating atmosphere of the ALP.
Major Party internal whipping of MPs is the death of individual and independent thought. No wonder a third of Australians don’t identify with either party.
On the ABC Minister Mark Butler said, “…they get the privilege of putting themselves forward for election to public office with the Labor party next to their name on the ballot paper.”
The corollary is that Labor gets to include a Muslim woman on the ticket, cynically attesting to its diversity credentials. Apparently the inconvenient fact that she has a different perspective to the white male lawyer majority in parliament is intolerable, even if the two state solution is Labor policy.
By barring Senator Payman from the Caucus, Labor has effectively barred all the voters who hold the same opinion from party dialogue and made it clear their views are not respected. Neither diverse and inclusive nor a vote winning strategy.
Albanese and his henchmen deserted the working class long ago, their stance on the genocide in Gaza and emphatic denial of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to life, says much about their view of the world. They have deserted humanity with their support of the USA's war on Palestinians.
Senator Payman can hold her head high, she stands for the stuff that counts.
As a WA voter, Payman going independent would suit me since, when her seat comes up for reelection, I'll be able to put a "1" next to her name without having to go to the trouble of voting below the line.
If Labor wants to lower the price of electricity, rather than handing taxpayers back their own money, they could build power stations sourcing energy from Labor Party founders spinning in their graves.
Great piece Joel.
When was the last time we saw a major party MP or Senator specifically acting on their conscience? Senator Payman is to be commended for her courage against the suffocating atmosphere of the ALP.
Major Party internal whipping of MPs is the death of individual and independent thought. No wonder a third of Australians don’t identify with either party.
TELLING the TRUTH, again, Mr Jenkins.
On the ABC Minister Mark Butler said, “…they get the privilege of putting themselves forward for election to public office with the Labor party next to their name on the ballot paper.”
The corollary is that Labor gets to include a Muslim woman on the ticket, cynically attesting to its diversity credentials. Apparently the inconvenient fact that she has a different perspective to the white male lawyer majority in parliament is intolerable, even if the two state solution is Labor policy.
By barring Senator Payman from the Caucus, Labor has effectively barred all the voters who hold the same opinion from party dialogue and made it clear their views are not respected. Neither diverse and inclusive nor a vote winning strategy.
Great article. Very sad day when you get suspended for having morals
And for showing up your party for not supporting its own policy.
Agree with John, great piece. Thanks for keeping it all focussed and real. Also, nice use of potatoes.
Well said Joel.
Albanese and his henchmen deserted the working class long ago, their stance on the genocide in Gaza and emphatic denial of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to life, says much about their view of the world. They have deserted humanity with their support of the USA's war on Palestinians.
Senator Payman can hold her head high, she stands for the stuff that counts.
Well said, mate.
As a WA voter, Payman going independent would suit me since, when her seat comes up for reelection, I'll be able to put a "1" next to her name without having to go to the trouble of voting below the line.
If Labor wants to lower the price of electricity, rather than handing taxpayers back their own money, they could build power stations sourcing energy from Labor Party founders spinning in their graves.
Thanks for highlighting Maiden's role in the aftermath of this fiasco: it was all over once the fat lady had sung.
Another piece rich in imagery and ideas Joel. You always tap into our humane anger and turn it into blistering prose.
Senator Payman stands way above the rest of the miserable lot that's supposed to represent us.