Jacinta Price Axed from Liberal Frontbench After Migration Row

In a historic moment in Australian politics, Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has been sacked from her frontbench position after refusing to apologize for her comments regarding Indian migration. They sparked infighting within the Liberal Party and raised questions of leadership and party unity.

Background of the Controversy

Senator Price's controversial remarks came when she stated that the Albanese government is prioritizing Indian migrants who she believes will vote for the Labor Party. It all came about in an interview with ABC, where she indicated that the government’s migration program seems designed to maximize the vote of Indian-Australians. She specifically called out Indian migrants.

Various quarters were quick to provide backlash to her comments. Two Liberal frontbenchers put out public statements rebuking the comments. Alex Hawke, who had called for an apology, along with Julian Leeser who apologized on her behalf. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, also condemned the comments, stating they were harmful to the Indian-Australian community and an apology was required.

Senator Price's Response

Senator Nampijinpa Price stood by her comments saying they were "clumsy," but that she was proud to defend her right to make comments on the issue of migration. She thanked everyone that was supportive of her and took the time to reach out to her, especially people from the Indian-Australian community, but she would not apologise saying she "will not be silenced" in relation to mass migration.

Leadership Fallout

The issue escalated when Senator Nampijinpa Price declined to support, yes or no, the leadership of Sussan Ley, the Opposition Leader. In a press conference in Perth, Senator Nampijinpa Price was asked whether she had confidence in Ms. Ley's leadership, and refused to answer directly, saying that these matters were for the party room. Senator Nampijinpa Price again stated her view, was to hold the Albanese government to account for their failures and her colleagues should get on with it and move on from the issue.

Ms. Ley said that Senator Nampijinpa Prices refusal to offer confidence in her leadership made her position "untenable" and Senator Nampijinpa Price was subsequently removed from her position as Shadow Defence Industry Minister. In her resignation statement, she expressed disappointment in not being clearer in her comments, but still stood by her right to raise issues with migration issues.

The Australian people stand with you Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price!

Don’t back down for speaking the TRUTH you are our voice! We hope this makes you stronger! 💪🏼🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/tZl0ljmEXC

— katy 🌸 (@KatyKray73) September 9, 2025

Internal Party Tensions and Implications

The fallout from Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's comments has revealed divisions in the Liberal Party over migration. Some MPs have defended her right to speak on migration, while others have rightly reminded her in a bipartisan way that we want to unite the Australian community and race should not be an issue either politically or in society at large. The controversy also highlights some of the broader challenges of the party. It needs to deal with its individual voices, issues of retention as a party, and responsibly address multiculturalism in cohesive manner.