UPDATE: A fierce backlash is erupting following NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price‘s controversial claim that migration policies are being manipulated to secure votes, targeting the Indian diaspora specifically. Critics are voicing concerns that her statements could further harm migrant communities and undermine trust in Australia’s immigration system.
Just hours ago, Price stated she believes she has no reason to apologize for her remarks, which imply that the Labor government is intentionally allowing migrants who align with their policies to enter the country. This claim has been met with immediate condemnation from community leaders, including Harpal Singh, president of the Sikh Association of the Northern Territory, who described the senator’s comments as “taking a dig” with “lasting impacts.”
“This rhetoric is particularly damaging given the recent surge in anti-immigration sentiment in Australia,” Singh said. “The timing is critical. Just after violent protests, these comments alienate communities, especially those of Indian ethnicity.”
Former president of the Indian Cultural Society of the Northern Territory, Bharat Desai, added that Price’s statements do not reflect the views of most Australians. “There is always a bit of angst when particular groups are singled out for political gain,” Desai stated. “But Indians in Australia should continue contributing positively without fear.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley distanced herself from Price’s comments, asserting, “I’m fighting for every single Australian, no matter where you came from. Our Australian Indian community is amazing.”
In an urgent parliament session, Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly emphasized the need for mutual respect among communities, warning that social cohesion remains fragile. “We cannot treat people with gritted-teeth tolerance,” she declared.
The government has projected a record 185,000 migrants for this year, excluding temporary visas such as international students. Price confirmed that discussions within her party regarding this figure are ongoing, stating, “We will form a position on this at a later point.”
However, migration expert Anna Boucher from the University of Sydney argues that politicizing migration is increasingly ineffective. “As our society matures, people are more inclined to vote based on class than ethnicity,” she explained. “With a multicultural population, suggesting that migration policy is driven by race is becoming less acceptable.”
The fallout from Price’s remarks highlights a significant shift in the political landscape regarding immigration. As sentiments grow against divisive rhetoric, it remains to be seen how this will shape future discussions around Australia’s immigration policies.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and witness how community leaders and politicians respond to the rising tensions surrounding immigration in Australia.
