Labour group supports Prime Minister’s move to suspend Payman

Senator Fatima Payman is reportedly on the verge of quitting the Labor Party. The Prime Minister’s decision to indefinitely suspend Senator Payman from the Labor caucus has been criticised from both sides of the political divide. Following her suspension, Ms Payman claims she has been “banished” and announced she will now abstain from all votes while she considers her future.

Sky News Australia political editor Andrew Clennell announced the development on Tuesday after the Labor caucus met in the morning.

Mr Clennell said the Prime Minister had received unanimous support from MPs for his move to indefinitely exclude Ms Payman from the caucus after she decided to support a Green Party motion to recognise the State of Palestine.

“He used words to the effect of ‘we are team players here and it is up to her whether she wants to return to the bosom of the church’ – those were the Prime Minister’s words to the group,” Clennell said.

“I am told he spoke on the matter for about two minutes. There were no questions on the matter and no comments from other MPs.

“The Prime Minister sought and received the consent of the group this morning to suspend Fatima Payman from the group indefinitely until she gives a guarantee, I assume, that she will not switch sides again, which she may well do again on the Palestine issue.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.