Ley Apologises After Jacinta Price’s Controversial Remarks Spark Backlash
It’s been a turbulent week in Australian politics, and at the centre of it all has been Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. The controversy started when she suggested that the government was favouring Indian migrants as a way to strengthen Labor’s vote. Those comments caused an immediate backlash, particularly within Indian Australian communities, and also stirred deep divisions inside the Liberal Party itself.
Eight days after those remarks were made, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stood before the public to issue an apology. She made it clear that the comments should not have been made and expressed regret to Indian Australians, as well as to others who felt hurt or distressed. By that point, the fallout had already forced her hand: Jacinta Nampijinpa Price had been dumped from the frontbench.
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The sacking followed a press conference where Senator Price was asked whether she would back Ms Ley as leader. Rather than giving a clear show of support, she said it was a matter for the party room. That refusal to publicly back her leader, combined with her unwillingness to apologise for her earlier remarks, made her position on the frontbench untenable. Shortly after, Ms Ley phoned her to confirm that she was being removed from her role.
Even though Senator Price hasn’t apologised, she has acknowledged that her comments about migration were expressed poorly. Still, the damage was done. Senior Liberal figures—including Shadow Finance Minister James Paterson—said they were disappointed with how things unfolded but stressed that Ms Ley had no choice. They also emphasised that political careers often have ups and downs, and some believe Senator Price may return to a prominent role in the future.
Others in the party, like Deputy Leader Ted O’Brien, highlighted that while Liberals value open debate and different opinions, words carry weight. He noted that the Indian community never asked to be pulled into such a divisive discussion and reassured them that they are welcomed within the party. Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie also supported the decision, pointing out that in politics, if you cannot support your leader, the responsibility is on you to step aside.
For Ms Ley, this episode has been messy, but she is determined to move on. She has rejected suggestions that her own leadership is under threat, saying the decision was necessary to draw a line under the matter.
So, what we’ve seen is a clash of principles, loyalty, and political realities all colliding in a very public way. A senator unwilling to back down, a leader forced to act, and a community caught in the middle—this has been a moment that shows just how high the stakes can be when words spark division.
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