Parramatta Council motion seeks public apology from Jacinta Price over Indian community comments
One of Sydney’s most multicultural councils may seek a public apology from Jacinta Nampijinpa Price for her comments about the Indian community in Australia.
Parramatta Councilor Michael Ng is expected to table a motion condemning the renegade senator’s remarks at the council’s regular meeting on Monday.
Ms Price sparked controversy last month when she claimed “large numbers” of Indian immigrants were being allowed in because “the community voted Labour”.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley apologized to the Indian community in Australia over the negative impact of the remarks, before removing Ms Price from the shadow ministry.
In his motion, Mr Ng said Ms Price’s comments “cause deep concern and distress within the Indo-Australian community”.
“Councillors have received numerous messages from the public expressing their disappointment that political leaders are making irresponsible statements that undermine community cohesion,” the motion’s background notes state.
If passed, the motion would condemn Ms Price’s remarks as “divisive and detrimental to social harmony” and demand a public apology.
It will also recognize the contribution of “Little India” in Harris Park, where in 2021 almost half of the residents were born in India.
In 2011, approximately 29,000 people in Parramatta were of Indian origin, approximately 11 per cent of the total population.
Ms Price’s comments were swiftly condemned by politicians on both sides of the aisle, as well as numerous social groups.
Both NSW Premier Chris Minns and state Opposition Leader Mark Speakman hosted roundtable discussions with the Indian community in the following weeks.
