Australian PM Demands Apology Over Senator’s Anti-Indian Remarks

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for an apology from Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price following her controversial comments regarding Indian migration. Price, a member of the centre-right Liberal Party, suggested that a significant influx of Indian migrants was intentionally allowed into Australia to bolster support for Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party.

During a radio interview, Price expressed concerns about the increasing number of Indian immigrants, linking their growing presence to voting patterns that favor the Labor Party. “There is a concern with the Indian community, and only because there have been large numbers. And we can see that reflected in the way that the community votes for Labor at the same time,” she stated. Her remarks ignited widespread outrage, particularly within the Australian-Indian community, prompting calls for an apology from both the public and members of her own party.

Albanese responded to the situation during an interview with state broadcaster ABC, emphasizing the inaccuracy of Price’s statements. “People in the Indian community are hurting,” he said. “The comments are not true that the senator made, and, of course, she should apologise for the hurt that has been caused, and her own colleagues are saying that.”

As of 2023, approximately 845,800 individuals born in India reside in Australia, a number that has more than doubled over the past decade. Additionally, many residents of Australian descent identify with Indian ancestry. This demographic shift has become a focal point of recent anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly in light of nationwide protests that have seen some blame the Indian community for rising cost-of-living challenges.

In response to these rising tensions, the government of New South Wales convened a meeting of community organizations to address the growing anti-Indian sentiment. NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed solidarity with the Australian-Indian community, stating, “Today we stand together with the Australian-Indian community to say unambiguously that the sort of racist rhetoric and divisive false claims we have seen over the last couple of weeks have no place in our state or country.”

Meanwhile, India’s foreign ministry has indicated that it is actively engaging with the Australian government regarding the uptick in anti-Indian sentiment following the protests. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of immigration and community relations within Australia, as discussions around race, representation, and political influence continue to unfold.