Fatima Payman Files Complaint Over Sexist, Racist Remark in Parliament, Sparking Debate on Workplace Culture
Independent Senator Fatima Payman, Australia’s first hijab-wearing senator, has lodged a formal complaint with the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) after an older male colleague allegedly made sexually suggestive and racially insensitive remarks to her during an official parliamentary function. The incident, which has sparked widespread discussion about workplace culture in Australia’s parliament, highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of women and minorities in political spaces.
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Payman, a 30-year-old Afghan-born senator from Western Australia, recounted the incident to the ABC’s Triple J Hack program, stating that the colleague, who was reportedly intoxicated, urged her to “get some wine into you and see you dance on the table.” As a Muslim woman who does not consume alcohol due to her faith, Payman found the remarks particularly offensive and isolating. “It felt inappropriate and targeted,” she said, emphasizing the cultural insensitivity of the comment given her background.
“I told this colleague, ‘Hey, I’m drawing a line, mate,’ and moved on to making a formal complaint,” Payman added, demonstrating her resolve to address the behavior. She praised the PWSS process but noted the importance of calling out such conduct to set clear boundaries. “Being clear is being kind. You’re helping someone understand your boundaries by speaking up,” she said, reflecting her Generation Z perspective on confronting inappropriate behavior.
The senator, who was elected on a Labor ticket in 2022 before leaving the party in 2024 over its stance on Palestinian statehood, did not name the colleague or specify the exact date of the incident. However, she described the remarks as part of a broader pattern of challenges faced by women and minorities in Australia’s political environment. Payman’s complaint has reignited debates about the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms within the newly established Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission, with some, like Senator Lidia Thorpe, criticizing the PWSS for lacking transparency and effectiveness.
The incident comes amid Payman’s rising profile as a vocal advocate for marginalized communities. After splitting from the Labor Party to form her own political movement, Australia’s Voice, she has positioned herself as a champion for the “disenfranchised and unheard.” Her decision to go public with the complaint has been described as a bold move, underscoring her commitment to challenging unacceptable behavior in the parliamentary workplace.
Payman’s experience is not an isolated case. The PWSS, established following high-profile allegations of misconduct in Parliament House, reported handling 339 complaints in its first nine months. The senator’s actions align with her broader efforts to improve the culture in Canberra, where she has previously spoken out against racism and double standards in addressing hate crimes.
As discussions continue, Payman’s complaint serves as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all parliamentarians. The incident has prompted calls for greater accountability and cultural change within Australia’s political institutions.
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