NSW Minister Jodie Harrison apologises for Iran event in which Fatima Payman praised regime

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison has apologised for taking part in an Iranian event featuring Fatima Payman, in which the rogue WA senator praised the hardline Islamist regime.

Senator Fatima Payman. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison has apologised for taking part in an Iranian event featuring rogue senator Fatima Payman as a star guest, admitting her decision was “ill considered” after the WA senator used the platform to defend the hardline Islamist regime.

Ms Harrison delivered a recorded speech to the event in Sydney on Saturday, which was organised by the Benevolent Iranian Women Association to mark International Women’s Day and included supporters of the Iranian government.

In a news segment by Iranian state-owned network PressTV, Senator Payman described Iran as an “incredible” place for women and dismissed criticisms of the regime’s treatment of women as “propaganda”.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“The incredible place that Iran is, allowing for women to participate in the workforce to ensure that they have a voice, that their voices are heard, that their (voices) involved in a democratic process — realities that we’re not privy to living here and listening to the propaganda that we receive from very single-sided organisations with specific agenda,” Senator Payman told PressTV.

But late on Monday night, Ms Harrison sought to distance herself from the event, telling The Australian she did not share the views of the panellists and regretted her involvement.

The full clip of Ms Harrison’s recorded message was not provided, but it’s understood she spoke of women’s rights in Iran.

“I have heard the concerns raised and sincerely apologise for my participation in this event, for the message it sent which is incongruent with the view of myself and of the New South Wales government, and the distress I know it has caused for many,” Ms Harrison said.

“Those of us who are privileged to hold public office have a responsibility to promote equality and to create a better New South Wales which does not minimise or undermine the experiences of others.

“I do not share the views expressed by the panellists at this event.

“The decision to provide a video message was ill-considered and I should not have provided a video message for the event.”

Iran’s record on women’s rights has been widely condemned, with hundreds of women arrested in recent years for defying strict dress codes and protesting against the regime’s oppressive laws.

Senator Payman, who quit the Labor Party in June last year over her support for Palestine, later defended her remarks, saying she wanted to “correct the record” on Iran.

“The organisation aimed to correct the narrative they felt was single-sided. To which I advised they should create spaces to educate and share their version of events with politicians and representatives. As a leader, it’s important for me to keep an open mind and listen to both sides,” she said.

Other speakers at the event included Sydney imam Abdul Qudoos Al-Azhari and Islamic Friendship Association founder Keysar Trad.