The Latest Breaking News from Fatima Payman

Does Australia still have a racism problem? Or does it simply suffer from a diversity and inclusion problem at the level of governance and political representation? Answering these questions is rarely straightforward and always depends on the personal experiences and ethno-religious backgrounds of those asking.

The final buttons to electronically distribute preferences for the Senate were pressed in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia on Monday. I wrote about the distribution of preferences in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania on Saturday, and the climate activist’s David Pocock’s ACT Senate victory on Tuesday.

Here's your quick catch-up for this morning's news.

Fatima Payman is unbothered by the focus on her headscarf covering, saying her identity is ‘Australian first’

Fatima Payman, a former refugee from Afghanistan, has claimed a Senate seat in WA for Labor as the Australian Electoral Commission finalises the vote count.

Fatima Payman will become the first Muslim woman who wears a hijab to sit in Australia’s Parliament after claiming WA's sixth senate seat.

Anyone unlucky enough to have the combination of confidence and ‘difference’ will be in for a rough ride

Diversity advocates welcome new additions but say there is still a long way to go before parliament reflects Australian society

The 47th Parliament of Australia is a new high-water mark for diversity in federal politics. Here are some of the new faces set to enter parliament.