Indigenous senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was recently subjected to severe trolling after she made inflammatory and ill-disciplined remarks regarding Indian migrants. It was her first public appearance since being ousted from the Liberal shadow ministry. When Price was in Perth, she joined the WA Indian Society’s fundraising event at their community center. She was accompanied by WA Liberal MP Nick Goiran, right. The event, organized over a month ago, welcomed attendees but saw Price avoiding the media waiting outside.
Price’s incendiary comments on Indian migrants was roundly criticized from academic, legal, and media communities. In return, she was punished by being sacked from the frontbench. In the lead up to the event, during a press conference beforehand, she took the opportunity to stiff-arm opposition leader Sussan Ley. This dramatic step fueled additional speculation regarding her long-term fate within the party. Price sought to clarify her comments the next day, emphasizing that she intended no offense or injury to the Indian-Australian community.
Controversial Remarks and Backlash
The remarks on Indian migrants in Price’s statement have already raised a huge firestorm. WA Liberal Senator Matt O’Sullivan said that when she spoke to members the Indian community was very vocal in their disappointment at what she had proposed.
“I’ve heard from them that they’re disappointed in some of the comments that Jacinta had made.” – WA Liberal Senator Matt O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan noted that Price has attempted to back away from her claims. She’s playing catch-up now, trying to clarify what exactly it is that she stands for.
“She of course walked those back by clarifying that she meant no disrespect or harm towards those people.” – WA Liberal Senator Matt O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan is otherwise remaining hopeful that Price’s future contributions to Parliament will prove them wrong on the controversy. Yet he focuses on her talent and promise as a possible future ministry return.
“Jacinta has enormous talent and I hope that she’s able to … continue to make a terrific contribution to our parliament and hopefully one day get back into ministry.” – WA Liberal Senator Matt O’Sullivan
Political Reactions and Consequences
Price’s inflammatory remarks led to a major backlash, including her removal from the Liberal shadow ministry. WA Premier Roger Cook went public to speak out against her and condemn her actions. He says she’s “become a disgraceful embarrassment” to the Liberal Party and is demanding that party leadership hold her accountable.
“And what’s more, the Senator refuses to apologise, so today … I call on the leader of the Opposition and the WA Liberals to apologise for welcoming Senator Price to WA.” – WA Premier Roger Cook
Effective Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie was forced to step up and quell the fears circulating inside the party. He unequivocally declared that there will be no additional action taken against Price. He underscored that what businesses need most is certainty and stability during this tumultuous period.
“No, the knives are not being sharpened. They’re not and what we need now is stability.” – Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie
Hastie similarly looked beyond the specifics of Price’s comments to what that means for patients in general, saying,
“We actually need to work out who we are and who we’re fighting for.” – Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie
Community Response and Future Implications
The Indian community’s response to Price’s remarks has been divided. Ingrid Stoddard, a community member, spoke out against exclusionary attitudes directed toward migrants, calling for a more welcoming approach.
“As migrants have come in, too, and if we want to prevent others from coming in that’s not right.” – Ingrid Stoddard
Stoddard particularly emphasised the non-exclusive rights of all migrants to Australia. His words of welcome and encouragement sent a strong signal that this country stands behind its diversity.
The choice of venue for Price’s appearance was deemed coincidental by O’Sullivan, who mentioned that local representatives had confirmed no objections from community members regarding the event proceeding as planned.
Indian community spokesman Basil Zempilas gave testimony. In doing so he reaffirmed that the past discussion indicated overwhelming support for bringing the fundraising event here to go off without a hitch.
