Senator's Palestine remark ignites fiery debate

Senator Fatima Payman broke ranks with Labor and condemned Israel's actions in Gaza a "genocide". (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Rank-and-file Labor members have rallied in support of Fatima Payman as the senator was rebuked by the prime minister and targeted by the opposition after she called Israel's actions in Gaza "genocide".

The opposition launched a series of incendiary attacks and accused Senator Payman of "supporting terrorism" during a heated Question Time on Thursday that brought the Labor senator to the verge of tears.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong consoled Senator Payman, pouring her a glass of water after some of the remarks.

Senator Payman had called on the prime minister on Wednesday to take a stronger stance against Israel through support for sanctions and a trade embargo, a permanent ceasefire and the recognition of a Palestinian state.

The Afghan-born senator was targeted by the opposition after she ended Wednesday's remarks with "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", a phrase that has become highly controversial amid protests over Israel's war against Hamas.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong consoles senator Fatima Payman
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong consoled senator Fatima Payman during a fiery Question Time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Senator Wong have denounced the phrase, arguing it goes against the prospect of a two-state solution, where Israeli and Palestinian would exist side-by-side.

"It's inappropriate," Mr Albanese told parliament on Thursday.

Palestinians and Israelis have used the river phrase to denote a single state but "Palestine will be free" has been added and used by protesters to call for the end of Israeli occupation.

While disagreeing with the phrase, Senator Wong defended people's right to have different views as she called for a respectful debate.

"We all need to acknowledge the trauma on all sides, we all need to respect each other's humanity," she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during Question Time
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the phrase "from the river to the sea" is inappropriate.

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe sought to defend Senator Payman, interjecting that "she's the only one that had the guts to say it".

"You should have her back," she said.

Her comments came after a motion moved earlier on Thursday by opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham called for senators to avoid "inflammatory and divisive comments" and singled out the phrase.

It passed with the support of the government but was opposed by the Greens. 

Senator Payman was not in the chamber during debate on the motion.

Opposition senator Simon Birmingham moves a motion on anti-Semitism
Senator Simon Birmingham called for senators to avoid "inflammatory and divisive comments".

While the motion did not name Senator Payman, it said the phrase "from the river to the sea" was one "frequently used by those who seek to intimidate Jewish Australians".

Anti-Semitism had been fuelled by attacks and expressions of hatred, Senator Birmingham said.

"These include the use of chants and phrases like calls for 'Intifada' and the chant 'from the river to the sea'," he said.

"Let us be very clear - they call for violence, they stand against the existence of the State of Israel."

But Labor Friends of Palestine welcomed Senator Payman’s speech, saying she stood up for the human rights of Palestinians after more than 35,000 had been killed in Gaza.

Supporters at a pro-Palestine rally outside Parliament House
Protests continue months after Israel launched its deadly assault on Hamas in Gaza.

"We encourage all parliamentarians of conscience to support Senator Payman and her call for more action from the Australian government," the group told AAP in a statement.

"Senator Payman’s comments are consistent with international law and the views of many Labor Party members."

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns on Thursday removed parliamentary secretary Anthony D'Adam after the outspoken pro-Palestine MP claimed the heavy-handed actions of riot police attending protests in Sydney had made a liar of top cop Karen Webb.

"Mr D’Adam did not raise his criticisms about NSW Police with me, the police minister or with NSW Police. The first we heard about it was his speech in parliament," Mr Minns said in a statement.

"Mr D’Adam’s comments do not represent the views of the NSW government."

Hamas - designated a terrorist group by the Australian government - launched an attack on Israel on October 7 that killed 1200 people and led another 200 being taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel launched a ground offensive and bombing campaign in Gaza that has killed 35,000 people and injured about 77,000 more, according to the enclave's health ministry.

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store