Liberal leader Sussan Ley has apologised to Indian Australians for the hurt caused by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's comments on migration, as a senior Liberal insists there is no move against Ley's leadership.
Price was sacked from the shadow ministry on Wednesday night after refusing to express support for Ley or apologise for her remarks suggesting the government was politicising migration to favour Indians. Ley said Price is a valued party member who will continue contributing to policy debate.
Shadow home affairs minister Andrew Hastie stated that 'knives are not being sharpened' against Ley, noting Price was asked three times to support the leader and failed to do so. Hastie acknowledged his own leadership ambitions but said there is no current move against Ley.
Shadow finance minister James Paterson expressed confidence that Price will return to a prominent role soon, describing political careers as non-linear. Shadow aged care minister Anne Ruston affirmed Ley has overwhelming support in the party room.
Price was scheduled to headline an event for the Indian community in Perth on Thursday night alongside conservative WA Liberal MLC Nick Goiran, organised by state Liberal MPs.
