WA Liberal Leader Seeks to Repair Damage After Colleague’s Comments on Indian-Australians
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A bid to smooth over tensions with the Indian-Australian community is underway in Western Australia after controversial remarks made by federal Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price prompted her removal from a frontbench position. WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas has written to the Indian Society of WA in an effort to address concerns stemming from Senator Price’s statements, as she is scheduled to speak at a Liberal Party event tonight at a community center in willetton.
Senator Price Removed from Frontbench Amidst Controversy
Federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley removed Senator Nampijinpa Price from her frontbench role on Thursday, citing both “hurtful comments” made last week regarding Indian-Australians and a lack of support for Ms. Ley’s leadership. The decision underscores the sensitivity surrounding immigration policy and the importance of maintaining positive relationships with diverse communities.
Senator Price had previously claimed the federal government was importing people to “fill jobs” and change Australia, comments widely criticized as being “unhelpful.” She emphasized the importance of inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity.
“As… a product of Western Australia’s proud migrant history,I feel compelled to address some of the public commentary regarding Australia’s immigration policies and our migrant community,especially the Indian community,” mr. Zempilas wrote. “Free speech and the right to protest are notable tenets of Australia’s democracy.However,some of what we have seen and heard over recent weeks has been unhelpful.”
He continued, “That’s not the Australian way, and it’s not representative of the value of this state’s cultural diversity. Migrants have been and continue to be an integral part of our communities.” Mr.Zempilas specifically highlighted the “pivotal role” the Indian community plays in Western Australian society.
“I regret that members of your community may have felt aggrieved and hurt by recent commentary and commit to working with you to move forward in the spirit of inclusion and cohesion, which has served Western Australia so well over our proud history,” he added.
Reactions to Zempilas’ Letter and Planned Event
Indian Society of WA vice-president Divya Sharma welcomed Mr. Zempilas’s letter, expressing recognition for his commitment to supporting the indian community and cultural diversity within the state. “Pigeon-holing any community is not helpful,” Dr. Sharma stated. “When statements of support are publicly known,and positive messaging which doesn’t get the airtime it deserves,[it] goes a long way towards reassuring a migrant community that they are supported.”
Though,the planned event at the indian Society’s community center drew sharp criticism from the WA government. Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti condemned the event as “an absolute disgrace and an insult to the Indian community,” calling for Mr. Zempilas to cancel it.
WA Liberal MLC Michelle hofmann reported that approximately 500 tickets had already been sold for tonight’s event,indicating significant interest despite the controversy.
Regaining Trust Will Require Effort
A WA advocate for the indian community, Suresh Rajan, warned that the Liberal Party faces a significant challenge in regaining the trust of the community following Senator Price’s comments. He suggested Ms. Ley’s decision to remove Senator Price from the frontbench was a strategic move to mitigate the damage.
“I would be inclined to think that the party will need to do a lot more work and continue to support and to encourage the Indian community before they will regain the trust that’s been so badly damaged on this occasion,” Mr. Rajan said. he called for Senator Price to issue an apology and to actively engage with the Indian community to better understand its values and experiences. “If she wants to be taken seriously,than she should really be engaging with the community before she goes out and makes comments of this nature,or at least talk to people who have an understanding of the patterns and the migration process that’s involved here,” he concluded.
