Ex-Labor MP Fatima Payman revealed as the headline act for Muslim Votes Matter fundraiser
A Labor MP who sensationally quit the party over its stance on Gaza has popped up as the star attraction at a fundraiser designed to topple the government from power.
NSW
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Rogue Labor-turned independent senator Fatima Payman is the guest of honour at a fundraising event for Muslim voters looking to topple the government from power.
Despite launching her own party — Australia’s Voice — which she said would represent all Australians who have been “left behind” and a range of issues beyond the war in Gaza, Ms Payman has been closely aligned with the Muslim Votes Matter movement in recent months.
MVM is a grassroots political movement that began in the aftermath of the war in Gaza after Muslim-Australians were furious over Labor’s position on the conflict.
Ms Payman was promoted by MVM as their headline act at a trivia night on February 8 in South Australia where punters could pay $25 to attend.
The event was promoted as not “just a night of fun and trivia” but “an opportunity to support Muslim Votes Matter (MVM), a vital initiative dedicated to empowering and educating our community about critical political issues”.
“We are thrilled to share that Senator Fatima Payman will also be joining the fun tomorrow in SA!,” the promotional material said.
“Enjoying a light dinner, drinks and the chance to win amazing prizes — all for just $25 per person!”
It’s not the first time Ms Payman has been involved with MVM since quitting Labor in July last year and launching her own party in October.
One January 19, MVM posted that Ms Payman has shared “another set of inspiring words” at a MVM hosted Brisbane event in December.
Although MVM has publicly supported Ms Payman over her comments on the Gaza conflict, the Senator did not disclose any plans to work with them when she quit Labor.
In July, MVM said it had no discussions about working with Ms Payman but “you can’t rule something out in the future”.
The Australia’s Voice website lists climate action, negative gearing reform, welfare increases and scrapping the AUKUS defence submarine deals as some of its key issues.
Fighting “for a free Palestine” is listed ninth on their website.
A spokesman for Ms Payman said she was not working with MVM.
Responding to her attendance at MVM events, the spokesman said Ms Payman would not campaign with or endorse MVM candidates.
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Originally published as Ex-Labor MP Fatima Payman revealed as the headline act for Muslim Votes Matter fundraiser
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