Labor Senator Fatima Payman has confirmed her resignation from the party to sit as an independent.
Senator Payman told ABC that her decision was not influenced by any Muslim community-linked party.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
She said she felt “deeply torn” but saw “no middle ground” to allow her to remain within the Labor Party.
“On the other hand, I am pressured to conform to caucus solidarity and toe the party line,” Ms Payman said.
“My conscience leaves me no choice,” she said.
She added that she had already informed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of her decision.
The first-term senator from Western Australia faced “indefinite suspension” from the Labor caucus last week after defying the party and voting with the Greens to call for the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
With her move to the crossbench, the government will now require an additional vote in the Senate to pass legislation without opposition support.
Ms Payman also addressed speculation within the Labor Party that she would join forces with The Muslim Vote, a grassroots organisation endorsing pro-Palestinian independents in Labor-held seats.
This speculation was fueled by her association with political strategist Glenn Druery, known for advising minor parties and Muslim community groups on political campaigns.
However, Ms Payman clarified that while she had spoken with the group about their plans, she had not discussed joining them.
“I don’t have any intentions of collaborating with them,” she added.
During Question Time On Tuesday, Mr Albanesse shot back that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was critical of Labor for taking “a great deal of care to give consideration to Senator Payman”.
However, Ms Payman told ABC that she believed the party was spreading that perception because it was upset with her actions.
“I don’t know how to respond to that question without feeling offended or insulted [at the suggestion] that just because I am a visibly Muslim woman I only care about Muslim issues.
“This topic on Palestinian recognition, Palestinian liberation is a matter that has impacted everyone with a conscience. It is not just a Jewish versus Muslim issue.”
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.