Australia's first hijab-wearing senator has reported a senior colleague for making an inappropriate comment that encouraged her to drink wine and dance on a table. Fatima Payman, an independent senator of Afghan-Australian descent, has lodged a complaint against the male colleague following his remarks during an official parliamentary event.
In an interview with ABC's "Triple J Hack" program, the 30-year-old Payman shared that the colleague, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, said to her, "Come drink wine and dance on the table." She characterized the comments as not only sexist and offensive but also discriminatory and disrespectful to her Muslim faith, which prohibits alcohol consumption.
Fatima Payman was elected in 2022 as a representative of the Labor Party from Western Australia but left the party in 2024 due to disagreements over its position on Palestine. She reported that she filed a formal complaint with Australia’s Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (PWSS) and was pleased with their swift response.
The PWSS was created in response to sexual assault allegations against Brittany Higgins in 2021. According to Australian media, the service managed around 339 cases of workplace misconduct between 2023 and 2024.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges related to workplace culture and the respect for religious diversity within Australian political institutions. It also emphasizes the need for effective mechanisms to combat harassment and discrimination.
Fatima Payman’s complaint highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments that respect cultural and religious diversity. Ongoing vigilance and robust support systems are essential for ensuring respect and safety for all members of parliament.
