‘Way off’: Aussie-Indian community seeks apology over Price’s remarks

Concerns from the Australian-Indian Community over Recent Comments

Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s recent comments have stirred up significant debate within the Australian-Indian community.

Price suggested that the government favours Indian migrants because they tend to vote for the Labour Party. This assertion quickly garnered pushback from community members who feel misrepresented and unfairly targeted.

The Context of the Comments

In a recent interview with ABC Radio, Price remarked that Labour welcomes migrants who support their policies. She singled out the Indian community as an example, implying that their voting patterns heavily influence migration decisions. However, she later seemed to downplay the need for an apology, even suggesting that the interviewer was pressing her on the topic.

The timing of her comments attracted even more scrutiny, as they came shortly after anti-immigration rallies occurred across Australia. In Harris Park—a suburb in Sydney often referred to as Little India—community members expressed their discomfort with what they see as unfair targeting.

Community Reactions

Ritwik Singh, whose father came to Australia on a skilled visa, highlighted that many people in his community felt anxious after the rallies. Some friends from overseas reached out to check on their safety, indicating a sense of worry that transcends borders. Singh disagreed with Price’s assertion, stating, “She’s way off with her comments.”

According to Singh, Indian voters tend to assess candidates based on local issues rather than aligning strictly with one party. “They look at what’s most important for them and their community,” he added, emphasising the nuanced perspective within the electoral choices of Indian-Australians.

Another local resident, Nashih Fatima, who migrated from India seven years ago, also dismissed Price’s claims. “Everyone has different political views,” she noted, highlighting the individuality that exists within the community.

Broader Implications of the Comments

Shail Wadhwa, president of the Council of Indian Australians Inc, condemned Price’s statements for potentially creating division among communities. He pointed out a 2022 government report that identifies the Indian diaspora as a “national asset” with strong education and economic contributions to Australia.

While Price referenced polling indicating that 85 per cent of Indian-Australians voted for Labour in the 2022 election, RedBridge director Kos Samaras clarified that the full picture is more complex. Historically, many in the Indian community might have voted for the Coalition, primarily due to skilled migration pathways established by earlier governments.

However, Samaras noted that the current sentiments show a disconnect, with many Indian-Australians feeling unwelcome. “When we ask them why they don’t vote for the Coalition, the blunt answer is that they feel the Coalition does not like them,” he shared.

The Political Fallout

Academic Frank Bongiorno from the Australian National University suggested that Price’s remarks could have damaging effects on the Liberal brand, particularly when the party is struggling for support. He highlighted that first impressions matter and that concerns about racism or exclusion can linger, impacting how migrant communities view the Coalition.

As Singh articulated, there might be long-term effects on how people, especially skilled migrants, view Australia as a destination. Concerns that Australia is not a friendly place for migrants could discourage prospective students and professionals from choosing to come here.

Responses from Political Figures

In the wake of the backlash, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was quick to assert the Coalition’s support for Indian Australians, insisting that the country’s migration policy is fair and non-discriminatory. Liberal MP Leon Rebello, whose family hails from Goa, indicated that Price’s walk-back on her remarks reflects a need to support the Indian community. However, he stopped short of directly calling for an apology.

Despite varied responses from politicians, the sentiment in Harris Park remains clear: the community deserves to be treated with respect and acknowledgment of their contributions to Australian society.

As Singh aptly put it, “This country has been built on immigrants. They tend to do a lot more good for the country than not.”

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