When Fatima Payman crossed the Senate floor to vote against her government she knew it would come with consequences.

The Australian Labor party has strict penalties for those who undermine its collective positions, and acts of defiance can lead to expulsion - a precedent with a 130-year history.

The last time one of its politicians tested the waters while in power was before Ms Payman was born.

But last Tuesday, the 29-year-old did just that - joining the Green party and independent senators to support a motion on Palestinian statehood.

  • deadbeef79000@lemmy.nz
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    4 months ago

    The senator is elected to the senate, party affiliation is not a requisite. If a senator is evicted from their party they just become an independent senator.

    Note: I’m assuming this is how the Aus Senate works, as it’s probably similar to any other western democratic parliament.

    • girlfreddy@lemmy.caOP
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      4 months ago

      Australia is a Commonwealth nation so they follow the Westminster style … the same as Britain, Canada, etc. Senators would not be elected, they are appointed, and act as a check on Parliament.