In the wake of the Coalition’s electoral defeat in May, a significant shift is underway within the Liberal Party, spearheaded by Indigenous Senator Jacinta Price. Following the loss, Price has emerged as a prominent figure advocating for a reimagined party direction, aligning with the conservative group Advance Australia. This development has sparked both support and controversy within political circles.
Price’s involvement with Advance Australia became evident when the organization sent an email to its supporters urging them to become monthly donors to help “Australia win again,” a message signed off by Price herself. This collaboration, first reported by independent news outlet The Klaxon, highlights Price’s growing influence within the conservative movement.
Price’s Political Strategy and Alliances
Central to Price’s strategy is her collaboration with Whitestone Strategic, a consultancy known for its conservative campaigns. According to invoices released under freedom of information laws, Whitestone has been instrumental in crafting Price’s supporter communications and managing her inbox. The consultancy, led by Advance campaign strategist Stephen Doyle, has billed taxpayers for its services to Price, including $2,000 for communications and $500 for inbox management, plus GST.
Advance Australia is currently running campaigns opposing net zero climate targets, mass immigration, and Welcome to Country ceremonies—stances that diverge from official Liberal policies. Price has been vocal in her support for these causes, positioning herself as a key figure in Advance’s efforts.
“Advance will always encourage politicians who align with our supporters and criticise those who don’t,” stated an Advance spokesperson.
Controversies and Internal Party Dynamics
Price’s outspoken views on “mass migration” have stirred controversy within the Liberal Party. Her comments on the ABC, which went further than any of her colleagues, have been met with criticism. A Liberal Party source suggested Price aimed to signal her support for recent anti-immigration rallies, despite not attending them.
Price expressed disappointment with colleagues who did not back her stance, highlighting internal tensions within the party. Advance Australia has not shied away from criticizing Liberals, using social media to highlight issues such as traffic congestion and social cohesion, often featuring provocative imagery.
“Advance opposes Labor’s mass immigration policies for no other reason than they are undermining this nation’s security and prosperity,” an Advance spokesperson explained.
Influential Supporters and Political Mentors
Price’s rise within the Liberal Party has been bolstered by influential figures such as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Abbott, a long-time member of Advance’s advisory council, has been a strong supporter of Price, aiding her transition to the Liberals and her bid for deputy leadership.
Despite Abbott’s backing, some Liberals express frustration with his influence, viewing it as an attempt to steer the party towards a more conservative direction akin to Advance Australia’s agenda.
“Abbott is behind all of this. He pretends he’s doing nothing, but he’s actively trying to drag the party, kicking and screaming, to where Advance is,” commented one MP.
Family Legacy and Personal Influences
Price’s political journey is deeply rooted in her family background. Her mother, Bess Nungarrayi Price, a Warlpiri activist, has been a vocal advocate against domestic violence and supported the Howard government’s intervention in Aboriginal communities. Her father, Dave Price, has also played a significant role in shaping her views, particularly regarding Aboriginal culture and history.
The Price family has faced its share of controversies, with Dave Price’s comments on Aboriginal culture and the stolen generations sparking debate. Despite these challenges, Price’s family remains a significant influence on her political path.
Financial Backing and External Support
Price’s political endeavors have attracted substantial financial support from prominent figures, including Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart. Rinehart’s mining company, Hancock Prospecting, donated $75,000 to Price’s Country Liberal Party, underscoring her support for Price’s advocacy on Indigenous issues.
Additionally, retired UNSW maths professor James Franklin has been a generous benefactor, contributing to Price’s election campaign and covering various expenses. Franklin’s involvement in Indigenous affairs has been marked by controversy, particularly his views on violence within Indigenous communities.
“Indigenous issues, especially as talked about in the city, had a lot of bullshit talked about them,” Franklin stated, emphasizing the need for cultural change from within.
Future Directions and Challenges
As Price continues to navigate her political career, her alignment with Advance Australia and her conservative stance on key issues will likely shape her future within the Liberal Party. Her ability to influence party policy and garner support from influential backers will be crucial in determining her impact on the party’s direction.
Looking ahead, Price’s challenge will be to balance her conservative advocacy with the broader goals of the Liberal Party, while addressing internal divisions and external criticisms. Her journey reflects the complex dynamics of modern Australian politics, where ideology, influence, and personal conviction intersect.
