The surprise switch of Firebrand Northern Territory Nationals Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to the Liberal Party has been criticized by an insider as an attempted hostile takeover and a kind of "desperate branch stuffing," aimed at bolstering Angus Taylor’s chances for party leadership, as the contest tightens between just two candidates.
Following what was seen as support for a power grab by the party’s conservative faction, Senator Nampijinpa Price stated her intention to assist the senior coalition partner “to rebuild and become stronger for the nation’s welfare” following the crushing electoral defeat on Saturday.
"As the Liberal Party represents freedom and responsibility, I feel at home within their ranks," she stated to Sky News.
"Given the current circumstance I think more than ever we need strong people and we need to be able to rebuild."
This follows announcements from Mr Taylor and Acting Liberal Leader Sussan Ley, who have stated their intention to throw their hats into the ring for the leadership position when the parliamentary group convenes on Tuesday to choose a successor for Peter Dutton.
Ms Ley indicated a move towards the political center, stating that the party had to "embody a contemporary Liberal Party."
“I aim to utilize the full potential of everyone on my team, advance with me as their leader, and connect with the Australian public in a way that resonates with them, since evidently this wasn’t achieved during the previous election,” she stated to Seven’s Sunrise program.
In a statement, Mr Taylor said he had not taken the decision "lightly" but believed he had "the skills, experience and qualities required to bring our team together, to regroup, rebuild, and get back in the fight."
Senator Nampijinpa Price's shift enables her to become part of Mr Taylor's group as he aims to secure the leadership in an expected leadership vote against Ms Ley on Tuesday.
Dan Tehan, the shadow immigration spokesman who was considered a potential third candidate for the leadership, announced on Friday morning that he would not be joining the race.
There has also been
rumors suggesting she might pursue the position of deputy leader
in a joint-ticket with Mr Taylor, whose camp has denied suggestions of any deal.
On Friday morning, during her appearance on 2GB, Senator Price didn’t dismiss the possibility of pursuing the deputy leadership position. She stated she wouldn’t “speculate” about it but expressed gratitude for being “welcomed into the party room by Sussan Ley.”
The senator disclosed that she has always desired to be part of the Liberal party room since her initial election, yet remained with the Nationals due to an expected commitment. She also mentioned receiving backing from ex-Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
The sensational defection sparked an outpouring of responses, including comments from a high-ranking figure within the Liberal Party who compared efforts she might make towards attaining one of the party’s leading positions to the unsuccessful bid made by ex-Queensland Nationals leader John Bjelke-Petersen back in 1987 when he attempted to fracture the Coalition and vie for prime ministership.
"It's like Joh for Canberra," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because party rules prevent colleagues from publicly criticising each other.
It’s akin to a backwards takeover by the Nationals.
Western Australian Liberal representative Dean Smith commented that Senator Nampijinpa Price’s action was an “intriguing turn of events.” He expressed his eagerness to discuss with her both her role in the election campaign and the performance of the Northern Territory's Country Liberal Party, under which banner she stood for the Senate.
"The key indicator of individuals' performance… we'll have to wait and watch what unfolds in the upcoming days," Senator Smith said to ABC Perth radio.
The move of Senator Nampijinpa Price to the Liberals could alter the dynamics within an evenly split parliamentary group consisting roughly of 20 conservatives, 20 moderates, and approximately 12 centrist members who remain uncommitted.
When announcing his withdrawal from the leadership contest on Friday, Mr Tehan stated that his colleagues should "explore the core of our party and undertake the challenging task of bridging Liberal principles with the general public..."
I'll put in considerable effort and take on any role requested to help restore our party.
The action taken by the Northern Territory senator also deals a significant blow to the National Party, potentially losing two seats as New South Wales' Senator Perin Davey appears likely to be excluded.
Critics might see this as a direct rebuke to Nationals leader David Littleproud, who secured an additional spot in the shadow cabinet for Senator Nampijinpa Price to gain his support for Mr Dutton’s role as shadow minister overseeing government expenditure reductions.
“I admire Senator Nampijinpa Price for having ambitions that go further than what the Nationals can offer, and I wish her all the best,” stated Mr Littleproud.
Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan was less restrained, portraying Senator Nampijinpa Price as a turncoat.
"The choice made by Jacinta Price to prioritize her personal ambitions rather than respecting the voters' wishes is precisely why individuals are fed up with politicians," he stated in an X post.
Less than a week ago, Jacinta Price was elected as a senator who will join the Nationals party room.
If Jacinta wished to join the Liberal party room discussions, she had the option to run for a Liberal seat just one week prior. So why did she choose not to?
NSW Liberal Senator James Paterson also turned to social media, extending a "welcome home" message to her.
[instagram]
ABC acknowledges that a proposed joint leadership ticket involving Mr Taylor and Senator Nampijinpa Price might alienate moderate and uncommitted members of parliament. This could be particularly true since she has never been part of the Liberal Party and has not attended any of its gatherings.
The role of deputy is also taken up by a member from the lower house.
Senator Nampijinpa Price garnered national attention for her prominent role as a key advocate for the No side during the 2023 Voice referendum and has played a significant part in raising funds across various chapters ahead of the campaign.
Nevertheless, she faced criticism for assisting in derailing former opposition leader Peter Dutton’s attempts to separate himself from Donald Trump's political stance after stating to journalists that her aim was to “make Australia great again.”
Photographs on Facebook of Senator Nampijinpa Price wearing a MAGA cap at Christmas were also widely distributed during the campaign.
"A senior figure from the Liberals stated that Angus’s economic views and Jacinta’s support for Trump have not been accepted," revealed the key party member.
They aren’t the ones to rescue the Liberal Party; they’re the ones to bury it.
In an announcement late Thursday, Liberal leadership stated that the party will convene at 10 am on Tuesday in Canberra for the election of both an opposition leader and a deputy.
They stated in a release that when it comes to constituencies where the result remains unclear and counting is still underway, the federal director of the Liberal Party has the responsibility to identify which members and candidates are expected to triumph, thus deciding their eligibility for participation.
Given our inclination toward voter inclusion, we've requested that Andrew Hirst makes these decisions by 10 am on Monday... to guarantee proper travel arrangements can be made.
Ley suggests we have disappointed women.
Ms Ley stated that her rise to the leadership position would "convey a powerful message to Australian women." She also emphasized that she intends to adopt a cooperative method for developing policies. This announcement came after Senator Paterson informed 7.30 on Thursday that the shadow cabinet had not been included in crafting crucial election strategies.
"It revolves around collaborative teamwork within our party and emphasizes a robust work ethic, which I am recognized for both internally and nationally," Ms Ley stated.
I'm afraid we fell short for the women of Australia… We must grasp why people didn’t back us, recognizing that our policies failed to inspire them and that they doubted our capability to steer the nation towards progress.
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