Margaret Callinan writes: Bernard Keane is right. “Labor’s foot-dragging on Gaza atrocities leaves way open to Payman fiasco” — and a well-deserved loss at the next election, I would add.
You have to wonder why Anthony Albanese slogged away for decades in the Labor Party to become prime minister only to appear to not have had a single thought about what he would do the day after he was elected to the top job. Perhaps he never expected to win? He sits like a stunned rabbit in the headlights of the Libs and the Yanks on defence and AUKUS, and like a well-trained obedient dog awaiting its US master’s orders on Gaza.
The only thing worse than a Labor government after the next election would be a Liberal-Nationals government. Bring on more independents with balance of power on the crossbench. No party greasy pole to climb, serving constituents and country their only raison d’être.
Stuart Rees writes: I am a rank and file Labor member grateful to Senator Payman for her courage in crossing the floor as a reminder of 40,000 slaughtered Palestinians, in defiance of the Labor caucus and in a plea for the government to recognise Palestine.
Jenny Haines writes: Labor’s national platform for 2023 says the national conference:
“a. Supports the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders;
b. Calls on the Australian government to recognise Palestine as a state; and
c. Expects that this issue will be an important priority for the Australian government.”
Fatima Payman is following the platform. It is the caucus and cabinet that are not. It is the failure of the caucus and cabinet to respect the party platform that is creating unrest in the Labor Party as members find once again that their voice is not recognised in the party.
David Simpson writes: Labor, Payman and Gaza represent just another issue to add to the growing list of disappointments that this government has delivered.
After more than a decade of the LNP, like many I was looking forward to action, open communication, a refreshed sense of purpose, and progress emanating from Canberra to rejuvenate a tired country weary of inept governance.
Now, the next election delivering a Labor minority government may be the only viable answer.
Peter Barry writes: Senator Fatima Payman’s quiet but steely presentation on Insiders was impressive. She supports the early formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, a cessation of the slaughter in Gaza and the West Bank and the release of the many thousands of young Palestinian prisoners languishing without trial in Israeli prisons. She claims her position is consistent with Labor values. She also confirmed that Israel had the right to exist peacefully, presumably within the internationally recognised 1967 borders.
The Labor Party is inflexible regarding members defying caucus and crossing the floor, even for heartfelt positions that are an accurate representation of their electorate. The senator can sit on the crossbench and effectively support Labor values as she interprets them. It is the most practical solution.
Julia Bovard writes: I completely support Senator Payman and the issue of stopping the carnage in Palestine.
The government’s response to public revelation of its links to armaments providers merely mirrors its efforts in wildlife protection while also supporting opening up further coalmines. There may be good reasons to continue down these paths in government but it is difficult to justify to concerned voters.
