Liberal Party member Alex Hawke has publicly called for Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to apologize for her comments regarding Indian immigration. This controversy has persisted for nearly two weeks, revealing deeper divisions within the party. Hawke denied accusations from Price that he had berated her staff, which she described as "inappropriate and cowardly behavior" after he approached her about her remarks.

On Monday, Hawke stated, "I was of the view an apology would fix this." He emphasized the need for Price to address the damage her comments have caused in the community. Price had previously claimed that the federal government was favoring migrants from certain countries, specifically mentioning the Indian community, to gain votes. Although she later clarified that Australia’s migration policy is non-discriminatory, she maintained that she had nothing to apologize for.

Hawke noted that he continues to receive messages from Price's supporters expressing concerns about the number of Indian migrants entering the country. He remarked, "After those fliers we saw before the anti-immigration rallies, which singled out the Indian community, this was a particularly bad week for these comments."

The fallout has prompted Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to engage in damage control efforts with the Indian Australian community. Ley, along with other Liberal members, visited Little India in Sydney to rebuild relationships. However, some businesses refused to meet with them until Price either issued an unconditional apology or was removed from her position as the shadow minister for defense industry.

Ley has refrained from apologizing on Price's behalf, stating that her priority is to convey appreciation for the Indian community directly. The internal conflict escalated when Price accused Hawke of pressuring her staff and criticized the party's treatment of women. She referenced a previous incident involving former opposition frontbencher Jane Hume, suggesting that Hawke's comments were reminiscent of how women are treated within the party.

Hawke responded to Price's allegations, asserting, "I can't see how it has a gender perspective." He confirmed that he had a brief conversation with her staff but denied any aggressive behavior. He expressed concern that the comments could be weaponized by the Labor Party and suggested that an early apology could have mitigated the situation.

The tension within the Liberal Party has intensified since Price switched from the Nationals to run for the deputy leadership alongside Angus Taylor. Hawke clarified that the current issues are not merely a result of factional infighting but rather a response to the comments made by Price.

As the situation unfolds, some party members are urging Price to apologize to restore the party's standing with the Indian Australian community. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce stated, "You make mistakes in politics all the time, and the best thing to do is apologize and move on." The ongoing drama highlights the challenges the Liberal Party faces in maintaining unity and addressing community concerns.