Payman demands staff after two years of threats and political delays
Fatima Payman asked if the Prime Minister was waiting for a violent attack before granting staff she has sought for two years.
Fatima Payman, the independent WA senator, has been requesting two additional adviser-level staff for nearly two years to manage her workload. Payman has been targeted with over 100 documented threats and harassment incidents, including a phone call where someone hoped she would be run over by a truck.
In a Senate estimates hearing, Payman asked whether the Prime Minister was waiting for a violent attack like the one that left Helen Haines with both legs amputated before finally acting on her request.
Payman refused to withdraw the comment. Special Minister of State Don Farrell called the suggestion "outrageous".
Payman pointed out that other independent MPs and Greens leaders had received additional staff allocations within weeks.
- Nearly 2 years
- Years of waiting
- Over 100 incidents
- Documented threats
- Within 2 weeks
- Shoebridge approval
- Both legs amputated
- Haines injury
Why it mattersAn elected senator is asking whether personal safety requires political violence before Parliament provides needed support.
AustraliaThe dispute highlights how Australian MPs who leave major parties struggle to access resources and support, particularly when they face serious threats.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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