In the wake of controversial comments made by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price regarding immigration, particularly from India, opposition leader Sussan Ley has affirmed the Coalition's commitment to a non-discriminatory immigration policy and expressed strong support for the Indian community in Australia.

Senator Price initially claimed on ABC TV that the Labor government was deliberately encouraging migration from specific ethnic groups, including Indians, to bolster their electoral support. She suggested that the government was prioritizing migrants from countries "more Labor-leaning,"singling out the Indian community and claiming there was "concern" over the number of immigrants from India. Price asserted this was reflected in how the community votes for Labor.

These remarks drew immediate criticism from across the political spectrum. Within hours, Senator Price retracted her claims,conceding her remarks were a "mistake". She acknowledged Australia maintains a longstanding and bipartisan non-discriminatory migration policy and that suggestions otherwise were incorrect. Price stated her remarks were made during a wide-ranging interview where she sought to highlight issues of uncontrolled mass migration and ruptures to social cohesion.

Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser also distanced himself from Senator Price's comments, emphasizing the Coalition's commitment to a non-discriminatory immigration policy that has been in place for over 40 years. He highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian community, particularly in his electorate of Berowra in Sydney.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has vocally supported the Indian community following the controversy. Ley told Sky News that she values the Australian Indian community "incredibly". "I'm fighting for every single Australian, no matter where you came from, and our Australian Indian community are amazing," Ley said. She further emphasized the community's hard work, family values, and contributions across the country.

The controversy surrounding Senator Price's comments comes in the wake of anti-immigration rallies across major cities. Some of these rallies targeted Indian migrants in promotional material and were attended by far-right extremists, with one ending in violent clashes.

Federal politicians, including Anne Aly, have expressed concern about racism directed at Australia's Indian community, particularly in light of the rallies. Labor MP Andrew Charlton, representing the diverse seat of Parramatta, called Senator Price's claims "an outrageous slur," noting the Indian community's high levels of education and workforce participation.

Ed Husic, a Labor MP, directly refuted Price's claims, stating that Australia has a non-discriminatory approach to immigration. He also criticized the anti-immigration rallies, stating they were "whipped up by far-right extremists and neo-Nazis".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that while some attendees may have had good intentions, the rallies provided a platform for neo-Nazis. Sussan Ley stated that the marches were "hijacked by neo-Nazis spouting hate, racism and resorting to politically motivated violence" and that "extremism has no place in Australia".