Early Life & Background
Fatima Payman was born in 1995 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Her family fled Afghanistan during the Taliban takeover, first moving to Pakistan, before migrating to Australia in 2003.
Her heritage is mixed: her father is of Tajik background, and her mother is Uzbek. She is the eldest of four children.
Education & Early Career
- She studied at the University of Western Australia, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology & Sociology), and later a Graduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science.
- Before entering politics, she worked as a pharmacy assistant and with a chain called TerryWhite Chemist.
- She also held roles as an electorate officer and an organiser with the United Workers Union.
Political Career & Shifts
- In 2022, she was elected as a Senator for Western Australia, running under the Labor Party at that time.
- She became notable as the first female federal MP in Australia to wear a hijab.
- In May–June 2024, during the Gaza conflict, she gave a public speech accusing Israel of genocide and crossed the floor to support a Greens motion to recognise Palestine.
- That act led to her suspension from the Labor caucus and eventually her departure from the party to become an independent.
- On 9 October 2024, she announced her new political party: Australia’s Voice, and became its leader.
- She also holds current roles within Parliament, such as being on committees and formerly having roles in migration, environment, etc.
Personal Life, Husband & Family
- Fatima Payman is married to Jacob Stokes, who was a ministerial staffer with the West Australian Government.
- After the political fallout, Jacob Stokes resigned from his ALP staff role.
- Their relationship has been tested publicly, especially as Payman’s political stance diverged from her former party, and Stokes had previously urged her to stay within caucus.
Age & Additional Facts
- As of 2025, she is about 30 years old (born 1995).
- She was one of the youngest senators elected and is the youngest serving Senator currently.
- She holds dual citizenship (Australia and Afghanistan de jure) and has dealt with complexities around renouncing Afghan citizenship.
Net Worth, Salary & Assets
- As a Senator, she receives a public salary (specific figure from earlier articles was around AUD 233,000).
- She also has declared assets valued over certain thresholds excluding personal & household items (as per earlier disclosures).
- Exact net worth is not publicly confirmed beyond what is declared in parliamentary disclosures and asset reports.
Controversies, Criticism & Public Response
- Her crossing of the floor and public statements about Palestine drew criticism from her former party and political opponents.
- She has become a polarizing figure – some view her as principled, others question her political strategy.
- In media and interviews, she has discussed the pressure of being scrutinized as a young Muslim woman in politics.
FAQs (2025 Version)
-
Who is Fatima Payman?
— An Australian Senator, founder of Australia’s Voice, originally elected under Labor, now independent. -
When and where was she born?
— Born in 1995 in Kabul, Afghanistan. -
How did she get to Australia?
— Her family came as refugees, settling in Perth in 2003. -
What is her educational background?
— BA in Anthropology & Sociology; Graduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science. -
When did she enter politics?
— She won a Senate seat in 2022 under Labor. -
Why did she leave the Labor Party?
— She broke ranks over the Palestine motion in 2024, was suspended, and later left the party. -
What is Australia’s Voice?
— A political party she founded in October 2024. -
Who is her husband and what happened to his job?
— Jacob Stokes; he resigned from his ALP staffer role in the wake of the political split. -
What’s her salary / finances?
— She receives standard Senator pay; some declared assets as per parliamentary disclosures. -
What controversies has she faced?
— Criticism over her Palestine stance; tension with Labor; being scrutinized for dual citizenship, religious identity, etc.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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