Julian Assange lands in Saipan; Coalition to attack Albanese over Payman crossing the floor: Australia politics live

Today in Australian politics, Julian Assange has arrived in Saipan and is expected to appear in a US court in the Pacific territory. The Coalition is planning to target Anthony Albanese over Fatima Payman crossing the floor. Stay updated with the latest news throughout the day. Good morning and welcome to the Wednesday politics live blog. Amy Remeikis will be providing updates for most of the day. It's a chilly morning in Canberra, but we're fueled up with coffee and chocolate for breakfast. There is growing pressure for vice-chancellors and senior executives in Australian universities to be held accountable for widespread wage theft. University staff are demanding action and justice for this criminal behavior. It's time for those responsible to face consequences, including potential job loss and legal repercussions. Stay tuned for more updates on today's political developments.

Labor Senator Risks Party Membership by Backing Palestine Motion

Labor senator Fatima Payman took a bold step by crossing the floor of the Senate to support a Greens motion on recognizing Palestinian statehood. This decision puts her party membership at risk, as the Labor party requires all its parliamentarians to support collective decisions or face expulsion. While Coalition backbenchers are allowed to cross the floor, the Labor party has strict rules in place. Those who defy party lines risk expulsion or suspension. Payman's decision to support the motion on Palestinian statehood was not taken lightly, as each step felt like a mile for the first-term senator. This move highlights the complexities and tensions within the Australian political landscape when it comes to issues related to international relations and foreign policy. Payman's decision to back the motion shows her commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights and recognition on the global stage.