Payman’s defection a personal choice

Senator Fatima Payman has made a personal choice in supporting Palestine (‘‘Payman turns back on ALP’’, July 5). There are many atrocities occurring around the world, in Ukraine, Palestine and her country of birth, Afghanistan. Payman has prioritised Palestine. This is not what she was elected for. As a Labor senator, or any major party representative, she should be prioritising the governance of Australia. She could have handled this in a much more low-profile way, without all the drama she now blames on the political party that got her elected.

Mark Nugent, Lugarno

Coming from a refugee background, Payman understands more than most the plight of people unable to live in their homeland. Her empathy with the Palestinian people who are appealing for compassion from the rest of the world is palpable. To expect a young woman of principle to vote against her conscience because of the overreaching grasp of caucus was wrong, and Labor is paying the price.

Genevieve Milton, Dulwich Hill

Fatima Payman said she cannot remain silent when she sees atrocities inflicted on innocent people in Gaza. Why has she been silent about atrocities inflicted on innocent people in Ukraine, or against minorities in China and Myanmar, or Kurds in Syria?

Vijay Khandelwal, Winston Hill

Senator Payman’s decision to leave Labor means those who voted for Labor, as represented by her, have been disenfranchised. Under the circumstances, the correct way to go about it would be to leave parliament and stand for office next election, rather than bite the hands that fed her.

Wendy Crew, Lane Cove North

Judging by the number of media interviews conducted by Fatima Payman after her ALP resignation announcement, and the depth of feeling in particular areas of the community, I would not be so sure that her rebellion will be ‘‘short-lived and ineffective’’ (‘‘Payman’s short rebellion ends in a whimper’’, July 5). The next federal election for both the House of Representatives and the Senate has become much more interesting.

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach

James Massola (‘‘Senator has hurt Labor and she’s not done’’, July 5) is right about the consequences for Labor of Payman’s defection to the crossbenches in response to Labor’s archaic rule forbidding members to express conscience votes. At the heart of this is Labor’s outdated prohibition against members crossing the floor, a rule that has alienated me and, I’m sure, many thousands more non-Muslims.

Frederick Jansohn, Rose Bay