Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has stated that there will be no expulsion or punishment for Labor Senator Fatima Payman after she crossed the floor to support a motion recognizing Palestinian statehood. Marles emphasized the importance of social cohesion across Australia and stated that now is not the time for punitive actions. Payman's decision marks the first time a federal Labor parliamentarian has crossed the floor since 2005.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrived at a court in Saipan accompanied by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Assange has agreed to a plea deal that will allow him to return to Australia as a free man. The Guardian reported on the journey from the plea deal to his eventual freedom. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles commented on former US Vice President Mike Pence's call for Assange to be prosecuted, highlighting Assange's years of incarceration as a key point. The developments in Assange's case continue to unfold.