Liberal allies of senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who was spectacularly dumped from the shadow ministry late on Wednesday, say she will return to a prominent role in time.

But they have backed Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's decision to dump her from the frontbench.

On Wednesday, the outspoken senator refused to apologise for remarks she acknowledged hurt Indian Australians, and failed to back Ms Ley as opposition leader when asked, saying instead it was a "matter for our party room".

Ms Ley later called Senator Nampijinpa Price to advise that she would be sacked from the frontbench, bookending a week of turmoil for the Liberal Party.

Speaking on Sky News, Shadow Finance Minister James Paterson said it had been a disappointing episode.

"I support Sussan Ley, I support her as our lead

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