Fatima Payman First Hijabi Woman in Australian Parliament
- Publish date: Friday، 24 June 2022
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Fatima Payman became the first Afghan-Australian and the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman in the Australian parliament.
She is the state's only new senator, after Labor senators Sue Lines and Glenn Sterle were re-elected, along with Liberal senators Michaelia Cash and Dean Smith.
"WE WON!!!! I'm proud to announce that I've officially been elected as a Senator for Western Australia," Ms Payman said on Facebook.
"Thank you everyone for your love and support! We did it!"
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his congratulations on Twitter, with a simple "Congratulations Senator Payman".
On this World Refugee Day, we're delighted to hear that #FatimaPayman, a refugee from Afghanistan has been elected as Western Australia's newest Senator.
— Massoud Foundation Australia (@MFoundationAus) June 20, 2022
The people of Afghanistan (cameleers) have played a vital role in Australia's history & Fatima is following their foot steps. pic.twitter.com/akBWXfMDzJ
Ms Payman became an organiser for the United Workers Union and, after losing her dad to leukaemia in 2018, and decided she wanted to represent hard-working Australians like him who strived to make ends meet.
She is passionate about breaking down barriers for women, young people and culturally diverse communities.