Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price started getting the headlines rolling last Thursday afternoon. Her switch from the Nationals to the Liberal party room was historic for the Country Liberal Party (CLP). This decision has spurred much debate about her national ambitions. People are more interested in finding out whether she’ll run as deputy Liberal leader, next to Angus Taylor. This defection would be historic. Price goes down in history as the first and only CLP senator to cross the floor.
Price’s defection to the Liberal Party after her re-election to the Senate. At the time of the federal election the CLP was polling over 32,000 first preference votes. Her sudden announcement has left political pundits dumbfounded. It has reignited debate about her long-term future within the party and on how best to represent Territorians.
Political Reactions
The reaction to Price’s defection has thus far been decidedly mixed. Among those to welcome her shift was NT CLP Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby, who stressed that the party’s support for Price’s shift, even though the CLP’s full leadership supports Price.
“By her making that decision — a very important one which we fully support — it will mean they will do their rebuild after the election, but she will still be a Country Liberal Party senator.” – Marie-Clare Boothby
Alternatively, critics argued that Price ought to have been more forthright with Territorians about where she wanted to take them. Selena Uibo, a local political figure, stated that Price’s actions may reflect a personal agenda rather than a commitment to her constituents.
“She cannot represent Territorians in a better way by changing party rooms — she is there for herself.” – Selena Uibo
Others, such as Alice Springs local merchant Alex Nelson, were more doubtful about Price’s motives. He even went so far as to say that her recent public statements and policy decisions seem motivated by “ego” versus a desire to serve.
“She does seem to have a bit of an inclination to make statements out of left field in a sense.” – Alex Nelson
Future Prospects
In a radio interview on Sydney’s 2GB on Friday morning, Price did not shut down speculation about her pursuing leadership positions within the Liberal Party. She very obviously left the door open for it. She admitted that speculation around her aspirations is to be expected but said she is taking a deliberate approach to the decisions she is making.
“People are going to speculate, there will be leaks, all that sort of stuff occurs, so I’m being very considerate with the decisions I’m making and spoken to a raft of people.” – Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
The Liberal Party meets on Tuesday. They fully intend to make the most of the power vacuum now left by former leader Peter Dutton. Early observers agree that Price’s abrupt exit from the Nationals creates exciting new opportunities for her. They recognize the possible pitfalls ahead as she learns to role in her new position.
Long-term Implications
Political analysts are busy assessing the potential long-term ramifications of Price’s resignation, not only for her political career, but for the CLP itself. Some critics, including Nelson, are charging that the move is short-sighted and does not take into consideration future electoral developments.
“I think Senator Price’s rather abrupt decision is very short term in its outlook and hasn’t really taken into account the long-term consequences.” – Alex Nelson
Fresh off a huge electoral victory, labor has a lot to build on. Now, skepticism has grown regarding the CLP’s capacity to meaningfully challenge them in future terms.
“Given that phenomenal victory that Labor has just won, you’re looking at a minimum of two terms of Labor remaining in future.” – Alex Nelson
Supporting Price’s addition to the party room was likely Liberal Senator James Paterson, who said on X (formerly Twitter), “To that, my husband welcomed her with open arms!”
“I am delighted Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has joined the party room, saying ‘welcome home’.” – Senator James Paterson
