Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to apologize to Indian Australians following her controversial remarks. Price suggested that an increase in Indian migrants was due to their perceived support for the Labor Party, a statement that has sparked significant backlash.
The incident has become a critical test for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, as pressure mounts from within her party to address the situation. Senator Price, who recently joined the Liberals to contest the deputy leadership under Angus Taylor, has yet to issue a personal apology, despite calls from her colleagues.
Political Fallout and Internal Pressure
This morning, Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser took to social media to apologize on behalf of Senator Price. In a statement, he expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the hurt caused by her comments.
“[It] pains me to say it, but I feel like I have to say it. My colleague Jacinta Price said something this week that I want to apologize unreservedly for,” Leeser stated. “As my leader Sussan Ley said, she was wrong to say it, and she has walked back those remarks and I am pleased that she has.”
Prime Minister Albanese, speaking on ABC Radio National, emphasized the importance of an apology from Senator Price, highlighting the hurt her comments have caused within the Indian Australian community.
“She should apologize for the hurt that has been caused, and her own colleagues are saying that. But even more importantly, leaders in the community are asking for that as well,” Albanese remarked.
Senator Price’s Response and Party Dynamics
Despite the growing calls for an apology, Senator Price refrained from doing so during a recent appearance on Sky News. Instead, she expressed regret over not being clearer in her initial comments, while noting that she had not been directly approached by Ley regarding the issue.
“The regret that I have is that I wasn’t clearer in my comments,” Senator Price stated. “I guess I would expect I would hear directly from the leader herself if it was of huge concern. It didn’t appear to be of huge concern.”
Meanwhile, Ley has not confirmed whether she has spoken to Senator Price directly, though she has publicly condemned the remarks as wrong and inappropriate.
Efforts to Mend Community Relations
In an effort to repair relations, Ley has been meeting with Indian Australian community groups in Sydney. However, tensions remain high within the party. Senator Price accused Manager of Opposition Business Alex Hawke of berating her staff and threatening her during a phone call, a claim Hawke has denied.
Hawke acknowledged advising Senator Price to apologize, but refuted the allegations of misconduct.
Implications and Future Developments
The controversy over Senator Price’s remarks underscores the delicate balance political leaders must maintain when addressing sensitive community issues. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges within the Liberal Party as it navigates internal dynamics and public perception.
As the Liberal Party grapples with the fallout, the broader implications for its relationship with multicultural communities remain uncertain. Observers will be watching closely to see how the party addresses these challenges and whether Senator Price will ultimately issue a formal apology.
The developments in this case continue to unfold, with potential consequences for the party’s standing among Australian voters, particularly within the Indian community. The coming days may reveal further actions from party leaders and additional responses from the affected communities.
