https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-02/fatima-payman-weighs-future-labor-faces-muslim-backlash/104046156Senator Fatima Payman's "exile" from Labor's caucus has sparked fresh speculation about a backlash towards the party from parts of Australia's Muslim community.
The WA senator is considering her future in the Labor Party, as she faces indefinite suspension from the caucus over her plans to continue voting against party lines on issues around Palestinian statehood.
On Sunday she accused colleagues of trying to intimidate her into quitting parliament altogether.
There are suggestions Senator Payman may instead leave Labor to join new political organisation The Muslim Vote, which is planning to run candidates on a pro-Palestinian platform in some of Labor's safest seats.
Labor is being warned of a looming political backlash in areas it considers the party's heartland, from voters that have been some of its most reliable.
In particular, Muslim groups in Western Sydney have warned concerns about the federal government's approach to the Israel-Hamas war, and Palestinian statehood, are turning long-time Labor voters away from the party.
Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association, which runs Lakemba Mosque, said some in the community feel "totally betrayed".
"The community feels like it has a seething anger that it needs to vent," he said.
"And right now it's the only focus, and it will vent it through the electoral process."
