Jacinta Price Returns to Coalition Frontbench with Call for Strong Opposition
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has declared it is time for the Opposition to step up and deliver Australians a credible alternative government as she returns to the frontbench after being axed over controversial comments about Indian migrants. Now serving as Shadow Minister for Small Business and Shadow Minister for Skills and Training, Price said her promotion under new leader Angus Taylor marks an end to what she described as a 'weak' and divided period for the Coalition.
Scathing Assessment of Albanese Government's Economic Record
The Northern Territory Senator delivered a scathing assessment of the Albanese Government's economic record following her elevation to Shadow Cabinet, describing it as one of 'the worst government in our nation's history'. 'Some 40,000 businesses have collapsed on Anthony Albanese's watch. Last year was the worst on record for business insolvencies,' Price said. 'Labor has put in place some 5,000 new regulations that are like sand in the gears of the economy… We need businesses to be freer - liberated from Labor's onerous taxes and the reams of government paperwork that turn ambition into anxiety.'
Thrilled to Return to a 'Fighting Position'
Speaking to 2GB radio on Tuesday, Price said she was thrilled to return to a 'fighting position' after months on the backbench. 'I'm working with a stellar frontbench team that has the energy, the skills and what it takes to hold this government to account,' she told listeners. 'We are ready to demonstrate that we are the alternative government for this country.'
Background on Previous Resignation Over Controversial Comments
Price's return comes after former Liberal leader Sussan Ley requested her resignation over remarks she made about Indian migrants and her reluctance to publicly affirm Ley's leadership. In an ABC interview in September last year, Price claimed the Albanese government was admitting 'large numbers' of Indian migrants to strengthen Labor's electoral position, a statement she later acknowledged was a 'mistake'. Ley described the comments as 'deeply hurtful' to Indian Australians and that Price had 'failed the test' expected of shadow ministers. Price later said her remarks were 'clumsy', but stopped short of issuing an apology.
Focus on Economic Challenges and Small Business
On her return to the frontbench, Price argued her new portfolios directly address the economic challenges faced by small businesses in Australia. 'As a party of small government, our role should be to get out of the lives of Australians, make it easier for them to run a business, reduce regulation and allow people to support themselves, their employees and the wider economy,' she said. Price referred to her previous Indigenous affairs portfolio, saying economic independence remains crucial, particularly in remote communities. 'There needs to be less dependency. We need to encourage entrepreneurship for individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians, who haven't always had that opportunity,' she said.
Acknowledging Coalition's Poor Polling Position
Price acknowledged the Coalition was in a 'terrible position' after months of poor polling, with a recent survey putting Angus Taylor's team level with One Nation on 23 per cent. 'We haven't been strong enough in holding the government to account,' she said. 'We weren't attacking them at the right moments, even when they were particularly vulnerable.' She argued voters had not seen the hard-hitting opposition they expect, especially around national security. 'We've experienced the worst terror attack on Australian soil, and yet we still struggled to land a blow. That must change. A strong frontbench that goes hard, stays relentless and stands by its values is how we regain trust,' she said.
Dismissing Defection Rumours to One Nation
Price dismissed rumours she had considered defecting to One Nation after former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's shock move from the Nationals. 'Rumours always swirl around, but I hadn't given that any consideration,' she said, adding One Nation would 'never' be a party of government.
Addressing Leaked Immigration Proposal
Price also addressed a leaked immigration proposal that suggested banning immigrants from 13 'terrorist hotspot' countries, due to be released by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley before she was toppled as leader. The senator said she was not consulted and only saw details in the newspaper, calling it another example of flawed decision-making under previous leadership. 'But the Coalition now has an opportunity to reset. We can develop strong policy that restores confidence in social cohesion and protects our way of life,' Price said. 'We need immigration settings that reflect the national interest and numbers that our housing, infrastructure and services can actually sustain.'
