Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s remarks about Indian migrants have drawn condemnation from Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, who said such comments were “not appreciated” or “welcome.”
In a post on Instagram, Zempilas touched on his experience as a son of Greek migrants and stressed that specific migrant groups should not be singled out.
“Migrants have been, and continue to be, an integral part of our communities. Their contributions make those communities and our State stronger. Any comments that single out one particular group are not appreciated or welcome,” he said.
Zempilas’ comments came as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley apologised today to the Indian community and announced Price’s removal from the Liberal frontbench. Price was dumped after refusing to apologise for claiming Labor was “bringing in Indian migrants to pad its vote.”
At a press conference in Tasmania, Ley said: “May I take this opportunity, as leader of the Liberal Party, to apologise to all Indian Australians and indeed others who were hurt and distressed by the comments that were made.”
She reaffirmed her “strong support for all our migrant communities for the values that they bring to this country, for the contribution they make and for choosing to come to Australia.”
Deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien said the move was the right one, noting the Indian community “did not ask to be the centre of political dialogue over the last week.” Opposition finance spokesperson James Paterson said Price’s refusal to apologise made her position untenable.
Despite the demotion, senior Coalition figures including Paterson and Deputy Nationals Leader Kevin Hogan predicted Price would return, citing her popularity and her prominent role in the Voice referendum.
