Sydney: A political storm has erupted in Australia after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on opposition Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to apologise for comments deemed offensive to the Indian-Australian community. The Prime Minister said the remarks had caused “hurt” and “deep offence” and urged the lawmaker to retract her words publicly.
Senator Price, a prominent figure within the Liberal Party, provoked outrage when she claimed in a radio interview that Labor was encouraging Indian migration as a way to strengthen its electoral advantage. Her statement was widely criticised for suggesting that one of Australia’s fastest-growing migrant communities was being treated as a political tool. With more than 845,000 Indian-born residents in the country as of 2023, the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in Australia’s economy, education system, and cultural diversity.
Albanese’s rebuke was firm, highlighting the damage the comments had inflicted. “People in the Indian community are hurting, and she should apologise for the hurt that has been caused,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining respect for multicultural harmony in a nation built on immigration.
The fallout has spread quickly within the political sphere. Liberal Party figures themselves have expressed dismay at Price’s words. Senior party member Alex Hawke admitted the comments “came out racist” and insisted that an apology was necessary to mend ties with the Indian community. Similarly, New South Wales Liberal leader Mark Speakman issued an apology on behalf of the party, personally meeting with community leaders to express regret and reaffirm the Liberals’ commitment to inclusivity.
State leaders also weighed in, with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemning the remarks as divisive and damaging. He underscored that multiculturalism is at the heart of Australia’s identity and said any suggestion that migration is manipulated for political gain risks fuelling unnecessary social tensions.
Despite these calls, Senator Price has not yet issued a clear apology, intensifying criticism from both within and outside her party. Some Coalition colleagues, including Barnaby Joyce, attempted to downplay the episode, calling the remarks a “mistake” rather than overt racism, but critics argued that deflecting responsibility only worsens the issue.
The controversy has become a test case for political accountability, raising broader questions about how Australian leaders engage with migrant communities and address cultural sensitivities. As pressure mounts, the episode underscores the delicate balance between political debate and respect for the country’s diverse population.