In the wake of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s controversial remarks on immigration, particularly concerning the Indian community, the public discourse has been dominated by outrage, calls for apology, and political distancing. But beneath the noise lies an opportunity—one that we, especially as Hindu migrants in Australia, must not squander. Senator Price’s statement, which led to her stepping down from the shadow ministry, was not an attack on migrants per se. Her concern, as she clarified, was with the scale and pace of migration, which she argued is straining Australia’s housing, infrastructure, and services. This is a legitimate policy concern, echoed by many Australians across the political spectrum. Yet, the reaction to her comments has been predictably shallow.
The media and political class were quick to condemn her, not necessarily because of what she said, but because her words cast a spotlight on their own complicity and hypocrisy. The Indian Cultural Society of Darwin, for instance, demanded an apology, calling her remarks “baseless” and “offensive.” But is outrage the only response we can muster? We must defend freedom of speech—not just when it suits us, but especially when it challenges us. In Hindu philosophy, truth (satyam) is paramount, and it must be spoken even when uncomfortable. Senator Price, whether clumsy or calculated, voiced a sentiment that exists in the community. Shooting the messenger only ensures that such sentiments fester underground, where they become more dangerous.
Consider the anti-immigration protests that swept across Australia in late August. The “March for Australia” rallies, while marred by extremist elements, were attended by thousands who feel alienated by current migration policies. Instead of dismissing these protests as racist, we should ask: What are the underlying concerns? Are they economic, cultural, or religious? The government must invest in serious research to understand these sentiments, not just issue platitudes or visit ethnic enclaves for photo ops. The hypocrisy is glaring. When Canadian ex-Prime Minister Trudeau accused India of orchestrating an assassination on Canadian soil, the Five Eyes alliance, including Australia, backed him without presenting a shred of evidence. The media, including ABC and SBS, have repeatedly aired content that many in the Hindu community perceive as biased, Hinduphobic or even Hindumisic. Yet, when a senator raises concerns about migration, she is vilified.
We must also reflect on our own responses. Listing the achievements of the Indian community as a defense mechanism—“we are the most successful ethnic group”—is not only intellectually lazy but potentially counterproductive. Success should not be weaponised to demand acceptance. If we truly believe in equality, we must be content to be part of society, not above it. Moreover, our success is not solely our own. It is deeply intertwined with the opportunities provided by Australian society. To claim it as a badge of ethnic superiority is to ignore the very multicultural ethos we claim to uphold.
The Australian Hindu and Indian community need to lift their game by up skilling themselves in political literacy and more actively participating in civic engagement with all stakeholders. It is imperative that we learn to participate in democratic processes and further communicate the needs of our community. Sitting on the sideline will do us no good. This moment demands intellectual clarity, not emotional reaction. We must build a foundation for a diverse society through dialogue, introspection, research, and getting involved.
उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत । क्षुरस्य धारा निशिता दुरत्यया दुर्गं पथस्तत्कवयो वदन्ति ।।
(कठोपनिषद् १:३:१४)
uttishThata jāgrata prāpya varannibodhata ।
kshurāsya dhārā nishitā duratyaya durgam pathastatkavayo vadanti ।।
(kaThopanishad 1.3.14)
Meaning: Arise! Awake! Approach the great and learn. Like the sharp edge of a razor is that path hard to tread and difficult to cross, so the wise say.
Senator Price’s statement, however flawed, has opened a door. Let us walk through it—not to condemn, but to understand and engage. Apologies and outrage will not build a strong nation. Thoughtful participation will.
References:
- Senator Price’s remarks on immigration: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-30/jacinta-price-immigration-comments/
- Indian Cultural Society of Darwin response: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/hindi/en/article/indian-community-reacts-to-senator-price-comments/
- March for Australia protests: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/anti-immigration-protests-australia
- Trudeau’s allegations and Five Eyes response: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66859385
- ABC and SBS coverage of India: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-15/india-coverage-controversy/
