Jacinta Nampijinpa Price voices opposition to separatism and advocates for equal standards
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a rising political star and Indigenous Australian, made headlines when she spoke out against a referendum to expand Indigenous rights during her appearance at Australia’s National Press Club. Price argued against separatism, stating that it perpetuates a cycle of racism and low expectations for Indigenous Australians. She further emphasized the importance of maintaining equal standards for all Australians.
Price’s remarks were met with both support and criticism. Indigenous officials and representatives accused her of betrayal, while others saw her as a refreshing and honest figure who spoke to the concerns of everyday Australians. Price’s conviction that the referendum would divide the country along racial lines, coupled with her ability to connect with voters at their level, is believed to have contributed to the referendum’s defeat.
Australia’s Struggle with Indigenous Rights
Australia prides itself as a progressive and multicultural society, but its treatment of the Indigenous population contradicts this image. The legacy of European settlement, which began in 1788, has resulted in disproportionately high rates of poverty, incarceration, suicide, and low life expectancy among Indigenous Australians. This mistreatment includes the forced removal of children from their families.
It wasn’t until 1962 that Indigenous Australians were granted the right to vote, and unlike other British dominions, Australia never established a treaty with its original inhabitants. Despite government funding, efforts to address issues such as infant mortality, life expectancy, and employment have fallen short.
The Referendum and Price’s Opposition
In 2022, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese proposed a referendum to recognize Aboriginal people and establish an advisory body called the “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.” The body would provide nonbinding advice to Parliament. Initially, polls indicated strong support for the referendum, but Price’s opposition gained traction.
Price, who was appointed as the Liberal spokesperson for Indigenous affairs, focused on the idea that all Australians belong regardless of their length of residency. She argued that the referendum would only deepen racial divisions. When the final results were announced, over 60% of Australians had voted against the referendum.
The Legacy of Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price comes from a diverse background, with her mother being Warlpiri, her father a white Australian of Anglo-Celtic heritage, and her husband a Scottish-born musician. Despite her short time in politics, Price has already made a significant impact and gained the trust of many Australians.
She is known for her outspokenness on combating domestic and sexual violence in Indigenous communities, a pressing issue in the Northern Territory. Price aims to create safer communities for women, children, and other victims and has been inspired by Australia’s first Indigenous lawmaker, Neville Bonner. Bonner’s philosophy of working within the system paved the way for the current 11 lawmakers of Indigenous descent in Parliament.
The Future for Price and Indigenous Rights in Australia
Although the next countrywide election is scheduled for 2025, Price’s recent polling success suggests that she could play a significant role in Australian politics. Her emphasis on avoiding “low expectations” and empowering Indigenous Australians resonates with many. Price challenges the narrative of victimhood and advocates for individuals to take agency over their own lives.
While the referendum’s defeat is seen as a setback for Indigenous rights, it has highlighted the diversity of opinions within the Indigenous community and the need for a more inclusive approach. The discussion around Indigenous rights in Australia continues, and individuals like Jacinta Nampijinpa Price are at the forefront, shaping the conversation for a more equitable future.
