UPDATE: Controversy erupts as Northern Territory Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price faces fierce backlash for her claims regarding Australia’s migration policy. Price asserted that the Labor government is manipulating immigration to gain votes from the Indian diaspora, a statement critics label as harmful and politically motivated.
Just hours ago, Price defended her stance, insisting she has nothing to apologize for, despite widespread condemnation from various community leaders. Harpal Singh, President of the Sikh Association of the Northern Territory, emphasized the damaging impact of her comments, stating, “She has taken a dig, but it has lasting impacts.” Singh called for Price to reconsider her position, noting that her remarks come at a volatile time, following violent anti-immigration protests across Australia.
The timing of her statement has raised alarms, with Singh highlighting the potential alienation of the Indian community. “Just after those protests, saying something like this, it just alienated people from Indian ethnicity,” he remarked.
Further criticism came from Bharat Desai, former president of the Indian Cultural Society of the Northern Territory, who stated, “I don’t know what motivated her to pick a particular community group.” He expressed concern that such politically charged comments could undermine social cohesion. Desai emphasized the importance of the contributions made by the Indian community, urging them to remain resilient in the face of divisive rhetoric.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also distanced herself from Price’s remarks, affirming her support for the Australian Indian community. “I’m fighting for every single Australian, no matter where you came from,” Ley declared, reinforcing the need for unity among Australians.
In a parliamentary session, Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly noted that social cohesion remains “fragile” and must be built on mutual respect rather than “gritted-teeth tolerance.” The government has projected 185,000 migrants to enter Australia this year, excluding temporary migrants like international students. Price stated that discussions within her party regarding this figure are ongoing.
Experts suggest that migration is no longer a politically advantageous issue for scoring points. Anna Boucher, a migration specialist at the University of Sydney, pointed out that voters are increasingly influenced by class rather than ethnicity. “When the population is so multicultural, a lot of people are going to take offence at a suggestion that the migration policy is driven by race,” she stated, underscoring the evolution of Australia’s non-discriminatory immigration policies that have been in place since the 1970s.
As the political landscape shifts towards a more multicultural understanding, analysts believe that divisive immigration politics will likely result in diminishing returns. Boucher added, “It actually is a good thing, it shows that we’re maturing as a multicultural political society.”
With tensions running high and community leaders calling for accountability, all eyes are on Senator Price as she navigates this escalating controversy. What happens next could significantly influence public perceptions of migration policy in Australia.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
