The fallout from Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s remarks about Indian migrants continues to reverberate, drawing sharp condemnation from cultural and political leaders.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said he and his Coalition colleagues had met with Indian Australian leaders to listen to concerns and reaffirm support. “I and the NSW Coalition are sorry for the deep hurt many Indian Australians feel after a federal senator’s offensive comments last week,” he said. “We met Indian Australian leaders today to hear from them and to reaffirm our support, embrace and admiration for their community.”
NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure echoed that message of solidarity. “In recent days, comments have been made about migration and the Indian-Australian community that have caused real hurt. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Indian Australians, who make an enormous contribution to our state and across the country. Their culture, hard work and community spirit enrich every part of NSW. There is no place for divisive or offensive comments and we are proud to support and celebrate the Indian Australian community for the vital role they play in our society.”
Coure added that New South Wales’ strength lies in its diversity. “NSW is one of the most multicultural places in the world and our diversity is our greatest strength. The Indian Australian community represents this strength through their businesses, families and community leadership. We deeply respect and admire the Indian Australian community. Their contributions—from small business and health care to education and culture, are part of what makes NSW thrive. Our focus must always be on unity, respect, and opportunity. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive New South Wales.”
Deputy Liberal Leader Natalie Ward said she sees the enormous contribution of Indian Australians every single day here in NSW. “Whether it’s small business, culture, sport, education or faith, the Indian Australian community adds so much to our state. Little India in Harris Park is a shining example of how integral Indian Australians are to our community,” Ms Ward said.
The Australia India Film Council (AIFC) issued a strong statement, describing Senator Price’s suggestion that Indian migrants were being used as a vote bank as “divisive” and “deeply insulting.” Chair Anupam Sharma contrasted the rhetoric with past moments when Liberals had eagerly sought photo opportunities alongside Bollywood celebrities. “The statements by a Senator of a mainstream political party are particularly confounding when viewed against the backdrop of the Liberal leaders who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Bollywood icons—laughing for the cameras, praising India’s cultural power, and seeking political capital. Now, to demonise Indian Australians as a ‘voting block’? That is a theatre we all see through,” he said.
Sharma added: “Selfies with Bollywood stars—then slurs about ‘voting banks’? That’s not leadership, it’s convenient hypocrisy at worst and fodder for comedy at its best. We demand leadership not divisive entertainment from our politicians.”
The AIFC reminded political leaders of the breadth of the Indian community’s contributions. “Indian Australians are not props for political campaigns, nor are they a monolithic voting bloc. They are business leaders, doctors, artists, teachers, filmmakers, and everyday Australians who enrich this nation in countless ways,” the statement read. “They are also at the heart of the Australia–India relationship, building bridges of trade, culture, and creativity—bridges the AIFC is proud to strengthen through film and media partnerships.”
Dr Vikrant Kishore, filmmaker, academic and AIFC board member, said: “Migrants like us contribute through culture, creativity, community, and business… the very diversity politicians exploit one day and attack the next.”
Julie Marlow, vice-chair of AIFC and former head of Film Victoria, noted how Indian Australian screen connections promote Australia to international audiences. “AIFC particularly would like to draw attention to how Indian Australian film linkages have contributed to tourism and overseas education, and promoted Australia to one of the biggest consumer groups in the world,” she said.
The economic value of Indian cinema was also highlighted. Achala Datar, distribution executive and AIFC board member, pointed out that “the box office success of Indian films in Australia consistently punches far above the size of the Indian community here. Distributors and theatres know these films draw audiences well beyond the diaspora, keeping screens full and revenue flowing. Indian cinema is not a niche—it’s a vital driver of the Australian screen economy.”
The AIFC acknowledged supportive statements from some Coalition figures but warned that “dodging accountability and Senator Price’s refusal to provide a direct apology makes these efforts to mend bridges feel quite hollow.”
Their message was blunt: diversity cannot be treated as a slogan while communities are vilified in practice. “Diversity is not a slogan; it is Australia’s lived strength and AIFC will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Australians in defence of multicultural values and against bigotry,” the board said.
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