'Ethnic Votes' Comment Deemed Racist and Unapologetic Fix Expected

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-09 08:28:02 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-09 14:10:59

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged a fellow lawmaker to apologize for what he deemed racist comments against Indian-Australians.

The prime minister has criticized Liberal Senator Jacinta Price for claiming that large-scale Indian immigration to Australia was politically motivated to boost Labor Party votes.

Price's comments, which she posted on Facebook, generated widespread anger and were described as "dog whistle" politics. Dog-whistle politics is a strategy that tries to gain electoral leverage by appealing to prejudiced sentiments underlying some voters' actions and motivations without being overtly racist.

Albanese told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday that Price should apologize for the hurt caused by her comments and for her refusal to do so. He described the allegations as "completely unacceptable" and "untrue."

When asked to apologize, Price instead doubled down on her claims, saying the Labor Party had " embrac and encourage immigrants from certain countries for political purposes." Price alleged that this was solely based on the color of their skin and the effect it would have on certain voter bases.

Many officials and citizens have criticized her actions, calling them racist and demanding that she apologize. The matter is currently under investigation by the Human Rights Commission.

Price, who is Indigenous, has previously criticized what she describes as the "race-based" migration policy of the Albanese government.

The senator has defended her comments, saying they were intended to start a discussion on migration policy and allegations of vote padding. She denies allegations of racism and refuses to apologize.

Price's comments come as the Australian government announced a plan to accept up to 15,000 humanitarian refugees from Afghanistan, including vulnerable women and children, and people fleeing persecution.

This incident sheds light on the ongoing global debate on refugee policy, political motivations, and voting bases.

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