Voters no longer value strict stance of parties

Voters no longer value strict stance of parties

It is with great dismay that I read that senator Fatima Payman has been suspended from the Labor caucus because of her principled stand (‘‘Rebel ALP senator on indefinite suspension’’, 1/7). Surely on this issue the Labor Party could have exercised a little discretion, flexibility and compassion. Just because senator Penny Wong compromised her principles and did not cross the floor 10 years ago does not make it correct. As Payman so eloquently put it, the Palestinians don’t have another 10 years to wait. In addition, both major parties should take note that this country is in the minority 25 per cent of nations of the world that do not recognise a Palestinian state. Are they both afraid that if they support a Palestinian state, some of their members would abstain from voting or even cross the floor? This rigidity is the reason voters are swinging to minor parties and independents. People who take a principled stand in the way Payman has done deserve our support and admiration, not suspension and condemnation.

Graeme Gardner, Reservoir

Viewpoint deserves scrutiny

Insiders host David Speers unfortunately allowed senator Fatima Payman to get away with yet again deflecting any responsibility for the Palestinian tragedy in Gaza to be the responsibility of Hamas. The current crisis is all about Hamas. Long-term recognition of Palestinian rights and a two-state solution are important, but no nation can accept a neighbour firing thousands of rockets into its territory, massacring its citizens, and stating repeatedly and formally its intention to destroy that nation. And why use a phrase such as ‘‘from the river to the sea’’ knowing it is so open to misinterpretation. There is no doubt what Hamas means by this phrase.

David Court, Glen Iris

Speaking her mind

When the next federal election rolls around, I hope that here in the seat of Menzies, we have a strong, thoughtful, proud and passionate contender such as Fatima Payman. A woman who speaks for the likeminded electorate and will not be muffled by the determination of ‘‘head office’’ of the American and Australian politicians, too cowardly to speak their mind.

Robert Saunders, Box Hill North

True diversity

Speaking to ABC radio yesterday, Labor minister Anne Aly said she supported diversity within the Labor Party, adding ‘‘and when I say diversity, I mean different kinds of diversity whether it be diversity of background, ethnicity, age, gender, a whole range of different diversities. I think our party is better for that diversity.’’ Notably, Aly did not mention diversity of views or opinions. However, as James Massola says, with increased diversity comes increased diversity of views (Analysis, 1/7). Many would argue that’s the whole point of having greater diversity of the type Aly approves. But it seems the Labor Party only wants a shallow kind of diversity which focuses on outward appearance.

Rod Wise, Surrey Hills

Crossing the floor

Suspended ALP senator for WA Fatima Payman follows in the footsteps of Edith Cowan, who was the first woman elected to an Australian parliament in 1921. Cowan also crossed the floor, resisting the discipline of the parliamentary whip of the WA Nationalist Party, by voting on issues according to her conscience.

Malcolm McDonald, Burwood

The power of individuals

Many years ago, the science fiction author Robert Heinlein described democracy as having a significant fault because it assumes ‘‘1000 men are smarter than one man!’’ Does the same apply for a caucus of 103 members? Are 103 members smarter than one person? If 1000 men were smarter than one man then we would not have a ‘‘theory of relativity’’ or even several medical breakthroughs where treatments proved successful against the medical consensus of the time. Perhaps the Heinlein rule applies.

Kim Hassall, Thornbury