Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price met with members of the Indian Society of WA on October 5, 2023, prior to her keynote address at a Liberal Party fundraiser. The event took place at the society’s community centre in Willetton, marking a significant engagement amid recent controversies surrounding her comments on migration.
The meeting occurred after a challenging week for Price, who was removed from the Coalition frontbench for not supporting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. In a statement that stirred considerable debate, Price asserted that the Labor Party targeted Indian migrants based on their voting patterns. This remark led to criticism from various quarters, including WA Premier Roger Cook, who highlighted the need for an apology from Price to the Indian community before holding the fundraiser.
Despite the controversy, approximately 500 people attended the sold-out event, welcoming Price with a standing ovation as she entered the venue. Accompanying her were fellow Liberal members, including prominent WA politician Nick Goiran. The evening featured speeches from both Price and Goiran, followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Michelle Hofmann, a member of the state upper house.
According to a Liberal Party member present at the fundraiser, Price discussed her previous comments with ISWA members before the event. She described her remarks as “clumsy” and clarified that she meant no offense. A participant who requested anonymity mentioned that Price expressed regret over her interview with ABC that sparked backlash and reiterated her concerns about mass migration.
The location of the fundraiser at the Indian Society’s hall drew particular attention, especially following Cook’s remarks criticizing Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas for allowing it to proceed without an explicit apology. Price’s ability to connect with the community amid these tensions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities she faces within her political career.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere remained charged with enthusiasm from supporters, signaling both the loyalty and the divisions present within the Liberal Party and its approach to issues surrounding migration. Price’s remarks and her subsequent engagement with the Indian community reflect broader discussions about representation and policy within Australian politics.
