‘There are no limits’: How Fatima Payman plans to challenge Labor

Fatima Payman has generated considerable media interest in her plans to launch a new party. Crikey caught up with the former Labor turned independent senator to try to find out as much as possible about her strategy. 

What will the platform be? 

While Payman fell out with Labor over her support for a Greens motion to recognise a Palestinian state, her new party will not be focused on that issue or any other foreign policy questions, the senator told Crikey. 

“It’s going to be one of the policies — obviously, I can’t detach it from me, [and] it’s also an escalating and deepening issue to many Australians,” Payman said of her support for Palestine. “But if I’m to represent Australians, it’s got to be inclusive, it’s got to be all encompassing, and not just a one-issue minor party.” 

Tackling the cost of living, including energy costs, and solving the housing crisis would be some of the new party’s areas of focus, Payman said. A listening tour around WA had convinced her there was an appetite for an independent alternative to Labor. 

“[I was] talking to so many Australians that have been looking for an alternative; they think the Labor Party has lost its way, that they’re not brave and courageous enough to take any steps.” 

What will the party be called? 

Payman won’t reveal the name yet, but her office has hinted it will represent inclusiveness. It will not be named after Payman. 

When will it launch? 

Payman’s office said the launch will happen before the end of the parliamentary sitting week — in other words, before Friday. 

Which seats will be targeted? 

Payman’s team is so far optimistic it’ll be able to run candidates all over the country.

“It’s going to be marginal seats,” Payman said. 

She also said she was thinking of running a candidate in Anthony Albanese’s Sydney seat of Grayndler, after the prime minister told The Australian Financial Review that Payman “should test democratic support for her actions by contesting the next election herself”. Payman was elected to a six-year term in 2022, meaning she won’t have to defend her own Senate seat in the next election. 

“You may have have come across the prime minister’s challenge, and I even said, look, if he wants an electoral arm wrestle, I may put up a candidate in his seat … there are no limits here,” Payman said.

How will it be paid for? 

Payman’s office said the senator would count on donations from supporters to fund the electoral campaign. No approaches have been made to organisations like Climate 200. In either case, if the party accepted money from a major donor it would have to be without any strings attached, Crikey understands.

Political parties can also get public funding, as long as they get at least 4% of the formal first preference vote and meet other eligibility criteria.

Would you support an independent party headed by Fatima Payman? Let us know your thoughts by writing to letters@crikey.com.au. Please include your full name to be considered for publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.