Fatima Payman launches party to challenge Labor and Coalition's grip
- Former Labor senator Fatima Payman has launched a new political party called Australia's Voice, aiming to represent disenfranchised voters from major parties.
- The party will focus on progressive reforms in housing, education, tax, and cost of living, without specifically targeting Islamic communities.
- Payman emphasizes the need for change in Australian politics, criticizing the current duopoly of major parties and calling for collective action among citizens.
On October 9, 2024, Fatima Payman, a former senator from the Labor party in Australia, unveiled her new political movement, Australia's Voice. This initiative comes after her departure from Labor, which she claims has lost its way and failed to represent ordinary Australians. Payman’s decision to form a new party is rooted in her belief that many voters feel ignored by the major parties, prompting her to seek support from those disenfranchised by the current political landscape. Australia's Voice will prioritize progressive reforms in critical areas such as housing, education, tax, and the cost of living. Payman has made it clear that the party will not focus solely on Islamic communities, despite speculation following her departure from Labor over its stance on the Gaza conflict. Instead, she aims to create an inclusive platform that welcomes all individuals who feel marginalized by the existing political system. During her announcement, Payman criticized the entrenched duopoly of the major parties, asserting that they have a stranglehold on democracy. She invoked historical quotes from former prime ministers to illustrate her point, emphasizing the need for a political shift that serves the forgotten people of Australia. Payman is determined to challenge the status quo and encourage citizens to make their voices heard. As the party develops, Payman has promised to remain open to all potential candidates, indicating a willingness to embrace diverse perspectives. Her call to action reflects a growing sentiment among Australians who are eager for change and frustrated with the current political dynamics.