Fatima Payman

The election count is finished and Fatima Payman, an Afghan refugee whose father came to Australia on a refugee boat in1999, is the final candidate to have her Senate seat confirmed. It’s hard to think of a better symbol of change for what this election promises.

The inclusivity, the diversity and multiculturalism of Australia is what truly makes this feel like home.

(Fatima Payman, Senator for WA)

Today’s declaration of the WA vote by the AEC confirms the numbers in the new Senate: Labor and The Greens will have half the seats between them, one short of being able to pass legislation without help from the cross-bench.

Not that The Greens will necessarily see it that way, being not only the joint winners with the Independents in the Lower House, but returning to the next Parliament with 3 more seats for a total of 12. Labor gained only one for 26, and the LNP lost three and now have 32; with One Nation (2) and the $100m man from the UAP also in their corner – more or less.

The Labor Government will have to work with The Greens, but cannot afford to ignore the cross-bench of ACT’s independent David Pocock, as well as Jacqui Lambie and her fellow Tasmanian newcomer to the Senate, Tammy Tyrrell.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This