Senator Fatima Payman, Australia’s first hijab-wearing federal parliamentarian, has filed a formal complaint with parliamentary authorities after a male colleague allegedly made inappropriate remarks toward her at an official event.
The 30-year-old senator told national broadcaster ABC that the incident happened when the older colleague, reportedly intoxicated, encouraged her to drink alcohol and “dance on the table.” Payman responded firmly, setting a clear boundary before proceeding with the formal complaint.
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Details about the timing of the incident and the identity of the colleague have not been disclosed, and the case is now under investigation by a parliamentary watchdog. Born in Afghanistan and migrating to Australia as a child, Payman practices Islam and has publicly shared her reasons for abstaining from alcohol.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of workplace culture in Canberra, following the 2021 allegations by former staffer Brittany Higgins, who claimed she was sexually assaulted within parliamentary offices. That case triggered widespread protests and an inquiry revealing issues such as excessive drinking, bullying, and sexual harassment in federal institutions.
Payman’s complaint is expected to intensify demands for reforms and stronger accountability measures in parliamentary workplaces. Formerly a member of the Labor Party, she left in 2024 to become an independent senator, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Neither the watchdog nor Payman’s previous colleagues have publicly commented on the matter as of Tuesday evening.
