Archive · 28 May 2025
Senator Files Complaint Over Sexually Suggestive Remarks
A female lawmaker in Australia says an older male colleague made her feel uncomfortable at a work party.
The colleague suggested she drink alcohol and dance on a table, which she found inappropriate since she doesn't drink.
She reported the incident to the workplace support service.
The lawmaker, who is Muslim, left her party after disagreeing on an issue related to Palestinian statehood.
She was also the youngest member of parliament during a past session.
Senator Fatima Payman reported a senior male colleague for making a comment at an official event.
The colleague allegedly told Payman to drink wine and dance on the table.
Payman, who is Muslim, doesn't drink and found the comment culturally offensive.
Payman made a formal complaint through the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service.
Payman left the Labor party after disagreeing with the party on a motion.
- Who
- Senator Fatima Payman and an unnamed senior male colleague.
- What
- Senator Payman alleges a male colleague made sexually suggestive and culturally insensitive remarks.
- When
- Not specified, but the complaint was recently filed.
- Where
- A parliamentary social event.
- Why
- Payman felt the remarks were sexually suggestive and culturally offensive.
- Complainant
- Senator Fatima Payman
- Accused
- Unnamed senior male colleague
- Allegations
- Sexually suggestive and culturally insensitive remarks
- Location
- Parliamentary social event
- Complaint lodged with
- Parliamentary Workplace Support Service
- Payman's Party
- Left the Labor Party in 2024
- Payman's Past Role
- Third youngest senator in Australian history
