Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has been removed from her position in the shadow ministry following a series of controversial remarks regarding Australia’s immigration policies. The decision, announced by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, came after Price faced backlash for comments suggesting that the Labor government was politicising immigration to favour Indian migrants. This incident marks a significant shift for Price, a prominent figure in the Coalition, who has built her political brand on outspoken and often polarising rhetoric.
Price, a first-term backbencher from the Northern Territory, quickly ascended to the shadow cabinet, becoming well-known as a staunch opponent of the Indigenous voice to parliament. Her visibility increased during the referendum campaign, where she garnered support from conservatives and media outlets like Sky News. Despite a misstep earlier this year when she promised that a government led by Peter Dutton would “make Australia great again,” Price remained a key figure in the Liberal party.
The controversy escalated last week when Price made a claim that the Labor government was manipulating immigration policies. Following her refusal to apologise for these remarks, Ley had no option but to dismiss Price from her shadow cabinet role, calling her comments a source of “significant hurt” to Australians of Indian heritage. Ley described Price’s position as “untenable,” emphasizing the need for accountability within the party.
The Coalition is currently in a precarious position, with internal divisions becoming increasingly evident. Just three months prior, Ley had demoted Price from the shadow cabinet, reflecting ongoing tensions within the party. By moving Price to the backbench, Ley inadvertently liberated her from the expectations that usually accompany shadow ministry roles, allowing her to continue her confrontational approach without restriction.
Supporters of Price, including notable figures like Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan, are likely to remain loyal, but her dismissal has intensified divisions within the Coalition. Critics of Ley argue that her decision to remove Price only deepens existing rifts over core policies and leadership dynamics. The Coalition’s internal strife is compounded by frustrations among members regarding post-election leadership decisions and policy directions, particularly concerning environmental targets like net zero emissions by 2050.
This political turmoil has significant implications for the Coalition’s relationship with multicultural voters, particularly the Indian Australian community. The backlash from Price’s comments may drive these voters further away from the Liberals, who are struggling to regain the trust of diverse groups essential for future electoral success. As the party grapples with its identity and strategy following a major electoral loss, the need for a cohesive message has never been clearer, especially in light of the clear signal delivered on 3 May.
The Liberal party’s path forward remains uncertain. With internal divisions laid bare and public sentiment shifting, the Coalition must find ways to reconnect with the electorate, particularly those who feel alienated by recent controversies. The fallout from this incident suggests that the road ahead will be challenging as the party seeks to redefine its stance and rebuild its voter base.
