Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has been removed from the Liberal frontbench after she declined to apologize for her remarks regarding Indian migrants and failed to express support for party leader Sussan Ley. This decision marks a significant moment for Ley, who faced pressure to assert her authority amid growing divisions within the party.

Liberal senator Dave Sharma questioned Price's position, asking, "If a shadow minister can't say whether she supports the leader, what is she doing there?" Ley's swift action to dismiss Price was seen as necessary to maintain her leadership credibility. However, the decision carries risks, as Price is a prominent figure in the opposition, particularly after her role in leading the No campaign during the 2023 Voice referendum.

Price's political journey has been challenging since her transition from the National Party to the Liberals. She initially faced setbacks, including a failed bid for the deputy leadership and a junior portfolio, culminating in her recent demotion to the backbench. Despite this, there are no indications that she plans to return to the Nationals or seek a new party affiliation.

Ley stated that Price "failed a test of high standard" for the shadow ministry but still described her as an "outstanding" Australian. Ley is not pressuring Price to leave the party, recognizing her strong support among Liberal members and conservative commentators who favor her hardline stance on immigration.

From her new position on the backbench, Price is expected to have more freedom to advocate for her views on immigration, climate change, and Indigenous affairs. The Liberal Party remains deeply divided on various issues, including climate policy and migration strategies, as it seeks to regain urban seats.

Price has indicated that she will continue to "speak up" on these matters, suggesting that the internal divisions within the Liberal Party may become more pronounced in the future.