Jacinta Nampijinpa Price calls her comments “clumsy” but refuses to apologise, leading to her removal from the shadow ministry as the Liberal Party scrambles to mend ties with the Indian community.
What’s the story?
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has refused to apologise for her remarks suggesting that high numbers of Indian migrants support the Labor Party. The comments have sparked a fierce backlash from both her party and the Indian-Australian community.
Price admitted her statement was “certainly clumsy,” but stood by her right to discuss migration issues. She defended herself at a press conference in Perth, noting she wouldn’t be silenced.
Political fallout:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Price to retract her comments, calling them false and hurtful to the Indian-Australian community. Other Liberal MPs, including Alex Hawke, Barnaby Joyce, and Bridget McKenzie, also urged her to apologise.
However, Liberal leader Sussan Ley avoided calling for an apology, stating the senator is listening to the Indian community and emphasizing the importance of dialogue.
Community response:
*** NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman publicly apologised*** to Indian-Australians, acknowledging the harm caused and distancing the party from Price’s comments.
Senator Price’s status:
Due to her refusal to apologise or back the party leadership, Price was removed from her role in the shadow ministry. Despite this, she remains in Parliament and plans to continue contributing from the backbenches.
Numbers at a glance:
Australia now has approximately 845,800 Indian-born residents as of June 2023—more than double the number from a decade ago.
Key Details at a Glance
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Comments Made | Claimed Indian migrants were encouraged to vote Labor |
| Price’s Stance | Admitted error but refused to apologise |
| Leadership Response | Mixed reactions—some demanded an apology, others did not |
| Career Impact | Removed from shadow ministry by Sussan Ley |
| Community Response | Indian-Australian leaders and NSW Liberals demanded accountability |
As political pressure mounts and community backlash intensifies, Senator Price’s refusal to apologise continues to stir debate about accountability, migration, and representation in modern Australia.
Related News : Australian PM Demands Apology After Senator’s Anti-India Remarks Spark Outrage
