Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has thrown her support behind Andrew Hastie as a future leader of the Liberal Party, intensifying the internal discord that threatens Sussan Ley’s efforts to unify the fractured political group. Price’s endorsement of the West Australian MP comes as Hastie’s outspoken campaigns on net zero emissions and manufacturing policy stir fresh divisions within the party.
Hastie, a former soldier, has been at the center of controversy after threatening to resign from the shadow frontbench if the party recommits to a net zero emissions target by 2050. This week, he criticized unnamed party members who anonymously urged him to moderate his independent stance, referring to them as “nameless cowards” in comments to The Australian.
Internal Party Struggles
The internal conflict was further fueled by Hastie’s recent social media video advocating for a revival of domestic manufacturing. In the video, he criticized both major parties for the decline of Australia’s car manufacturing industry, standing beside a classic 1969 red Ford Falcon and lamenting, “We’re a nation of flat-white makers, when we could be making beautiful cars like this again.”
Hastie’s “Australia-first” narrative is seen by many within the party as an alternative policy vision, particularly as manufacturing is not part of his home affairs portfolio. Although he did not contest the Liberal leadership after the May election, Hastie has expressed his ambition to eventually lead the party.
Support and Criticism
Price defended Hastie on Wednesday, suggesting that his critics within the party view him as a threat due to his capabilities. “I think they probably see him as some kind of threat, because he is so good at what he does,” she stated in an interview with 2GB. When asked about Hastie’s potential to lead the Liberal Party, Price confidently replied, “I think so.”
She further elaborated on Hastie’s alignment with her own views, emphasizing the importance of focusing on key institutions such as family, community, and nation. “I think he’d make a remarkable leader one day,” Price added.
In recent days, Liberal MPs Garth Hamilton and Henry Pike have also publicly endorsed Hastie as a future leader. According to sources, two other Liberal MPs share this sentiment, indicating a growing support base within the party ranks.
Price’s Position and Future Moves
This endorsement comes after Price was removed from the shadow frontbench earlier this month for her refusal to support Ley’s leadership and her controversial comments regarding the federal government’s immigration policies. Despite her demotion, Price remains steadfast in her opposition to the net zero policy and vows to continue advocating alongside Hastie for its removal from the Liberal agenda.
“We don’t have much in way of policy,” Price remarked, criticizing the party’s decision to review all policies, including net zero, following their electoral defeat. “We are supposed to be an effective opposition. We do want to be able to do our job, so we’re not going to sit back and be silent until such time as we have policy positions on a number of issues.”
Looking Ahead
The endorsement of Andrew Hastie by key figures like Jacinta Price signals potential shifts within the Liberal Party as it grapples with internal divisions and policy debates. As Hastie continues to champion his vision for Australia’s future, the party faces the challenge of balancing diverse viewpoints while striving for unity and effective opposition.
As the political landscape evolves, the coming months will be crucial for the Liberal Party as it navigates leadership dynamics and policy direction, with figures like Hastie and Price playing pivotal roles in shaping its future course.
