Jacinta Price met with WA Indian community ahead of Liberal fundraiser

1 day ago 8

Firebrand Coalition Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price met with members of the Indian Society of WA ahead of her keynote address at a WA Liberal fundraiser at the society’s community centre in Willetton on Thursday night.

The meeting came after a tumultuous week for Price that saw her dumped from the Coalition frontbench after failing to back Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and last week claiming that Labor targeted Indians for migration because of how they voted.

WA Liberal upper house MP Michelle Hofmann with NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and fellow upper house Liberal MP Nick Goiran at a fundraising function on Thursday night.

The irony of the Price event being held at the Indian Society’s hall was not lost on WA Premier Roger Cook, who berated Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas on Thursday for allowing it to go ahead in the absence of an explicit apology from Price to the Indian community.

However, according to a Liberal Party member who attended the fundraiser, Price revealed she had met with ISWA members ahead of the event to talk through her comments, which she said were “clumsy”, and that she had meant no offence.

About 500 people attended the sold-out event, and Price was welcomed with a standing ovation when she walked into the room.

Price featured alongside outspoken conservative WA Liberal powerbroker Nick Goiran.

Both gave speeches before sitting down for a question-and-answer session with Liberal state upper house MP Michelle Hofmann.

Another attendee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Price’s remarks about her Indian comments were similar to her public statements, and she said she regretted the ABC interview where she made them.

The attendee said Price reiterated her concerns about mass migration.

Liberal Senator Matt O’Sullivan, who organised the event, said it was a well attended, positive night.

“Jacinta continued to be the strong voice that she is, and she was well received,” he said.

Goiran said it was a privilege to share the stage with Price.

“I’ll happily stand beside her every day of the week. Looking forward to doing it all again next weekend at CPAC Australia in Brisbane,” he said.

After the fundraiser concluded on Thursday night, ISWA issued a statement in which it rejected Price’s statements, but had no intention of preventing the event from going ahead because it remained an apolitical organisation.

“[It was] a private event that was booked through our online booking platform over a month ago. ISWA has no involvement whatsoever in this private program,” the statement read.

“Our organisation strives to remain impartial and not influenced by any individual’s personal beliefs, views of political parties or any other affiliations.

“We reject the recent remarks made by Senator Jacinta Price about the Indian community. Such comments are unacceptable and deeply disrespectful.

“The Indian community has always, and will continue to, make positive contributions to Australia’s success. We take pride in our role in strengthening the multicultural fabric of the nation we proudly call home.”