The Liberal Party is in discussions to find a replacement for Jacinta Nampijinpa Price on the Coalition frontbench. This comes after Opposition Leader Sussan Ley removed Price from the shadow ministry. The decision followed Price's refusal to apologize for her comments suggesting that Labor was using Indian migration to gain votes. She also declined to support Ley's leadership.

Five senior Liberals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that there is no immediate threat to Ley's leadership despite the controversy surrounding Price. One senior member expressed support for Ley's decision but warned of potential backlash if a replacement from the right faction is not chosen. "If she [Ms. Ley] is seen to hand this to the left, it would be considered incendiary," the member stated.

Names being considered for Price's former roles include Phil Thompson, the member for Herbert and an Afghanistan veteran, and Tasmanian senator Claire Chandler, who has experience in foreign affairs and national security. Another senior conservative Liberal expressed sympathy for Ley's handling of the situation, noting that Price is very popular among party supporters.

The fallout from Price's comments has raised concerns within the party. A senior Liberal remarked, "This decision [to demote Price] is already going to be enormously damaging with our base. She is incredibly popular." The source added that if Ley had acted sooner, it might have been easier to explain to supporters.

The controversy escalated when Price accused Alex Hawke, the manager of opposition business, of "cowardly and inappropriate behavior" towards her staff, a claim he has denied. While many in the party agree that Price's popularity is significant, they also believe she made a mistake by alleging that the government was bringing in Indian migrants to bolster its voter base. Price later clarified her comments, admitting they could have been clearer.

Despite the turmoil, some party members insist there are no plans for a leadership change. Liberal MP Andrew Hastie publicly dismissed speculation, stating, "People know I have a desire to lead. There isn't a move, just to be very clear."

Angus Taylor, who lost the leadership contest to Ley, has remained silent since Price's removal, which some see as a positive move to quell leadership rumors. Another source noted that any attempt to challenge Ley would require overwhelming support from the party room.

The Coalition is currently undergoing internal reviews of its energy policies, with discussions about whether to maintain its net zero commitment or adjust its approach. The Nationals have largely abandoned their climate policy, and the debate over net zero is expected to be a significant challenge for Ley's leadership.

The migration debate has highlighted divisions within the Liberal Party regarding its focus following the recent federal election loss. Price has emphasized that mass migration is a critical issue, while Hastie acknowledged the need for examination.

Some senior Liberals believe that Price's comments have caused lasting damage to the party's relationship with the Indian community. One source remarked, "No number of trips to little India will patch this up." Others argue that the party has struggled to connect with migrant communities over the past decade, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement rather than mere attendance at community events.

The ongoing saga has distracted from pressing economic issues and the opposition's recent successes in holding the government accountable. Senior Liberals noted that the party must focus on internal unity to effectively represent the Australian people.