In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the Australian opposition, Shadow Minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has publicly refused to endorse deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley and stood firm on her controversial remarks regarding Indian migration, despite intense pressure to apologise.
The political firestorm erupted during a tense radio interview where Price was repeatedly pressed to express confidence in Ms. Ley's leadership capabilities. In a move that sent shockwaves through Parliament House, Price pointedly declined to offer her support, stating she would 'leave that to the party room' while emphasising her focus remained on her portfolio responsibilities.
Migration Comments Ignite Political Backlash
Further fuelling the controversy, Senator Price defiantly stood by comments suggesting some Indian migrants were taking jobs from Australians and failing to integrate, remarks that have drawn widespread condemnation from community groups and political opponents alike.
When challenged to retract her statements, the Shadow Minister delivered a terse response: 'I won't be apologising for having conversations with Australians who are concerned about the rapid pace of migration and its impact on our communities.'
Coalition Divisions Exposed
This public fracturing represents a significant challenge for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who now faces mounting pressure to control his frontbench amid growing internal dissent. Political analysts suggest the very public display of disunity could undermine the Coalition's attempts to present a stable alternative government.
The situation has left colleagues scrambling to manage the fallout, with several senior figures privately expressing concern about the damage being done to party cohesion and their electoral prospects.
As the political crisis deepens, all eyes remain on whether party leadership will intervene to resolve the very public rift that threatens to dominate the political agenda in the coming weeks.
