Liberal shadow frontbencher Tim Wilson has avoided directly criticising party colleague Jacinta Price, lamenting that the party has been “distracted by our internal issues” at a time when it should be focusing on scrutinising the government.
Wilson spoke on ABC Melbourne radio a day after Price was dumped from the opposition frontbench for not supporting Sussan Ley’s leadership and not apologising for comments she made about Indian migrants to Australia.
Liberal MP Tim Wilson.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“We’ve been distracted by our internal issues, and now it’s nice to be able to get back to focus on the problems [facing] the people of Australia,” Wilson said.
Asked whether Ley made the right decision in sacking Price, Wilson said yes.
“At the end of the day, when you’re part of a shadow cabinet, you have a responsibility to back your colleagues and back your leader. And so obviously, when Senator price made her decision not to do so, her hand was forced.
The decision’s been made. It’s time to move on.”
Asked whether Price’s comments were damaging, Wilson agreed with Price’s assessment that her comments were “inelegant”.
“I believe, you know, our migration program should be non-discriminatory, but [also] the basis on which people should come to Australia is because they want to integrate and become full participants in the Australian way of life and help build the future of our country.”
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