The Australian Senate has rarely seen a speech quite like this.
Young Australians were quick to react online, while older generations sat baffled.
Senator Fatima Payman once again stirred debate with her unusual choice of words.
At 30, Fatima Payman has cemented herself as one of the most talked-about figures in Australian politics.
During a Senate debate on social media age verification, she peppered her speech with Gen-Z slang, leaving many viewers scratching their heads.
'The goofy ahh government is still capping,' she declared, 'but is anyone surprised? When a rizzless, auraless, unc Prime Minister is running the show, a chopped government is what follows.'
Source: Youtube/10NewsAU
In simpler terms, Payman accused the government of lying and described Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as charisma-free, out-of-touch, and incompetent.
This latest speech followed her viral 'brain rot' performance in September 2024, which referenced 'sigmas of Australia' and called the government 'cap-aholics' and 'yap-aholics.'
That speech was written by her 21-year-old policy advisor, Ezra Isma, who admitted he 'wouldn't necessarily use such language earnestly outside the chamber.'
The September address took social media by storm, with one video receiving over 14 million views and 2 million likes in a single day.
'I wouldn't necessarily use such language earnestly outside the chamber'
The term 'brain rot' itself refers to content considered low in quality or mentally draining, particularly from excessive exposure to short-form digital media.
The concept has deeper historical roots: American philosopher Henry David Thoreau first used a similar analogy in #Walden, published in 1854, likening declining intellectual standards to 'potato rot' in Europe during the 1840s.
Did you know?
Did you know? The term 'brain rot' was first used by American philosopher Henry David Thoreau in 1854 to criticise what he saw as declining intellectual standards—making it nearly 171 years old!
Payman's personal journey adds another layer to her political style.
Born in Kabul in 1995, she emigrated to Perth in 2003 and became the first female MP to wear a hijab in the Australian Senate.
After leaving Labor over its Gaza stance, she launched her own party, 'Australia's Voice,' in October 2024, promising to represent 'the disenfranchised, the unheard, and those yearning for real change.'
Her unconventional approach drew strong reactions.
Returning to Perth after her departure from Labor, she was greeted by cheering supporters at the airport, while WA Labor's Multicultural branch faced internal resignations in protest.
Though she is 29 and technically outside the Gen Z cohort, Payman deliberately adopted young voters’ language.
'I think it's important for us to raise the voices of young people in languages that they're familiar with. This is the normal mainstream language that young people communicate with,' she said.
Payman identified key issues for young Australians, including removing indexation on HECS-HELP student loans, housing affordability, job security, and stronger climate action.
What young voters actually care about (according to Payman)
Removing HECS-HELP loan indexation
Housing affordability
Job security
Climate change action
Having their voices heard in 'familiar language'
The reaction to Payman’s speeches was sharply divided.
Some praised her for reaching young voters, while others ridiculed the so-called 'Australian Senator brainrot speech.'
Even among young Australians, opinions varied—some were unsettled that they understood the speech perfectly, while others welcomed seeing their language represented in Parliament.
Payman's embrace of internet slang has not been without consequences.
She became embroiled in disputes with Prime Minister Albanese over staff allocations and faced challenges from Senator Pauline Hanson regarding her citizenship eligibility, although the Senate voted 35-3 against an investigation.
Key takeaways
- Young voter engagement and political alienation
- Staffing disputes highlighting power dynamics in Parliament
- Questions about effective political communication across generations
- The challenge of representing diverse constituents authentically
Her linguistic experiments illustrate the evolving nature of political communication in the digital age.
'Young people are keen to engage with political reform,' she argued, 'but we've just got to invite them. This place... it's the house of the people.'
Social media amplification means political theatrics reach wider audiences, prompting debates about whether such efforts connect or alienate constituents.
For older Australians, the spectacle may feel like politics has lost its dignity—but every generation has seen politicians speaking the language of their time, from Bob Menzies' radio fireside chats to Paul Keating's colourful put-downs.
Whether speaking Gen-Z slang will strengthen her connection with young voters—or risk patronising them—remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: Fatima Payman has ensured that Australian politics will remain unpredictable and conversation-worthy for years to come.
What This Means For You
Fatima Payman’s use of Gen-Z slang during Senate speeches has created a national debate, leaving Australians of all ages talking—and sometimes scratching their heads.
The term 'brain rot' she invoked actually has historical roots dating back to Henry David Thoreau in 1854, showing that concerns about declining standards are hardly new.
Her strategy aims to engage young voters on issues such as HECS-HELP loans, housing affordability, job security, and climate change, connecting her political messaging to topics that matter to the next generation.
While her approach has sparked both praise and criticism, it highlights the generational divides and communication challenges present in modern politics.
For older Australians, it serves as a reminder that political discourse is evolving rapidly, and even those who have seen decades of change may need to adapt—or at least understand—the language shaping today’s debates.
Senator Fatima Payman’s senate speech sparks Gen-Z slang debate — Reports on Payman’s viral use of Gen-Z slang in the Australian Senate, including reactions from the public and social media.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Fatima Payman — Wikipedia — Provides biographical details of Fatima Payman, including her election as the third youngest Senator and her status as the first female MP to wear a hijab.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatima_Payman
Australian Senator Gen Z Slang Speech | Know Your Meme — Covers Payman’s September 2024 ‘brain rot’ speech, viral social media response, and involvement of her policy advisor Ezra Isma.
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/australian-senator-gen-z-slang-speech
Brain rot — Wikipedia — Explains the concept of ‘brain rot’ in internet culture and its historical roots traced to Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 #Walden.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_rot
Fatima Payman's Gen Z Slang Speech Declared 'Brainrot' — Discusses reactions to Payman’s viral speech, including generational divides and the modern interpretation of ‘brain rot.’
https://www.dailydot.com/memes/fatima-payman-gen-z-slang-speech/
Fatima Payman's Gen-Z slang speech called 'brain rot' — Details Payman’s background, her first female hijab-wearing MP milestone, and reactions to her speech.
https://www.szechuanpalace.ca/readnews/57996/
Senator labels the government 'capaholics': Fatima Payman's Gen Alpha speech decoded | SBS News — Covers Payman’s focus on young voter engagement, key political issues, and her quote on using language familiar to youth.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article...cs-paymans-gen-alpha-speech-decoded/c8cydj0te
Do you think politicians using internet slang genuinely connect with young voters, or does it risk making political discourse feel trivial?
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