Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has publicly backed Andrew Hastie as a potential Liberal leader, casting a shadow over Sussan Ley’s efforts to unite the fractured party. Price’s endorsement comes as Hastie’s personal campaigns on net-zero targets and manufacturing policy reignite divisions within the party, fueling speculation about a potential leadership contest in the future.
Following a threat last week to resign from the shadow frontbench if the party recommitted to net zero by 2050, Hastie this week targeted the “nameless cowards” in the party who had urged him to temper his activism, quoted by The Australian. The controversy was sparked after Hastie shared a video on social media advocating for a revival of domestic manufacturing and criticizing both major parties for the demise of Australia’s car-making industry.
Price defended her colleague on Wednesday, suggesting that his internal critics viewed him as a threat due to his effectiveness. When asked if Hastie was capable of leading the Liberal party, Price responded affirmatively, indicating that his policy priorities align with her own focus on family, community, and nation.
Garth Hamilton and Henry Pike have also recently endorsed Hastie as a future leader, with Guardian Australia having spoken to two more Liberal MPs who share this view. Price was removed from the shadow frontbench this month for her refusal to support Ley’s leadership and her unsubstantiated claims about the federal government’s Indian migration policies.
Price remains steadfast in her opposition to net-zero targets, vowing to continue her fight alongside Hastie to have the Liberal Party reconsider its stance. She criticized the party’s lack of policy direction following the election loss, emphasizing the need for the Liberals to fulfill their role as an effective opposition.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/24/nampinjimpa-price-endorses-andrew-hastie-as-future-liberal-leader
