Jacinta Price accused of targeting Indian migrants; PM Albanese, NSW Premier, and Indian community leaders call for retraction
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly called on Liberal Party Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to apologise after she made controversial remarks linking Indian migration to the electoral success of the Labor Party. The comments have drawn widespread condemnation from both political and community leaders, with many labeling them racist and divisive.
What Did Senator Jacinta Price Say?
In a recent radio interview, Senator Price suggested that a surge in Indian immigration was politically motivated:
“There is a concern with the Indian community – and only because there’s been large numbers. And we can see that reflected in the way that the community votes for Labor,” she claimed.
Her remarks came amid nationwide anti-immigrant protests, where some demonstrators unfairly blamed Indian migrants for rising cost-of-living pressures in Australia.
PM Albanese Responds: “She Should Apologise”
Prime Minister Albanese, speaking to ABC on Tuesday, firmly rejected Price’s claims and emphasized the hurt caused to one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing communities.
“People in the Indian community are hurting. The comments are not true… Of course, she should apologise,” he said.
He also noted that even members within Price’s own party have criticised her remarks and joined calls for an apology.
Key Facts About Indian Migration in Australia
- As of 2023, there are 845,800 Indian-born residents in Australia.
- The Indian population has more than doubled in the past decade.
- Hundreds of thousands of Australians claim Indian ancestry.
- Indians make up one of the largest minority communities in the country.
NSW Government Steps In
In response to growing tensions, the New South Wales government convened a meeting with Indian community leaders to address rising anti-Indian sentiment.
NSW Premier Chris Minns issued a strong statement:
“The sort of racist rhetoric and divisive false claims we’ve seen have no place in our state or country.”
India Engages With Canberra
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it is in discussions with the Australian government over recent anti-Indian protests and statements.
Growing Concern Over Racism
This incident has amplified concerns over racism, misinformation, and political scapegoating of migrant communities in Australia. The Indian community has urged leaders across parties to take a firm stance against hate speech and political targeting.
