Anthony Albanese has suspended rebel senator Fatima Payman from participating in caucus processes until the end of next week, amid significant unrest within Labor over the prime minister’s initial call that she not be sanctioned for crossing the floor. 

Mr Albanese announced the suspension late in question time on Wednesday ahead of a scheduled meeting between factional convenors who, along with most of the backbench, noted any decision whether to discipline Senator Payman was for the caucus to make, not the prime minister.