Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has publicly endorsed Andrew Hastie as a future leader of the Liberal Party, signaling fresh tension within the party ranks. The Northern Territory senator praised Hastie’s skills and leadership potential, adding fuel to ongoing debates over policy direction and internal party unity.
Price’s endorsement follows a series of high-profile moves by Hastie, a West Australian MP and former Special Air Services captain. Hastie has made headlines for his outspoken stance on net zero and domestic manufacturing, positioning himself as a rising figure with a distinct policy vision.
After last week threatening to leave the shadow frontbench if the party recommitted to net zero by 2050, Hastie criticized unnamed colleagues who urged him to moderate his views. In a social media video, he promoted a revival of Australia’s car-making industry, blaming both major parties for its decline. “We’re a nation of flat-white makers, when we could be making beautiful cars like this again,” he said, standing beside a 1969 red Ford Falcon.
Hastie’s focus on manufacturing has been seen as an “Australia-first” policy message that extends beyond his home affairs portfolio. Many within the party interpret his advocacy as preparation for a future leadership bid. Although he did not contest the Liberal leadership after the May election, Hastie has repeatedly expressed ambition to assume the role one day.
Price voiced strong support for Hastie on Wednesday, suggesting internal critics saw him as a threat because of his effectiveness. “I think they probably see him as some kind of threat, because he is so good at what he does,” she told 2GB. When asked if Hastie could lead the Liberal Party, she replied, “I think so.”
She further highlighted the alignment between her own priorities and Hastie’s leadership vision. “The topics that I spoke to at CPAC, which we should focus on – family, community, and our nation – are at the core of what Andrew Hastie is leading with,” Price said. “I think he’d make a remarkable leader one day.”
The endorsement adds to growing support for Hastie among Liberal MPs. Garth Hamilton and Henry Pike have also publicly backed him as a future leader, while other MPs have privately expressed similar views. This support comes amid ongoing internal debates about the party’s direction, especially following the May election defeat.
Price herself was recently removed from the shadow frontbench after refusing to endorse current leader Sussan Ley. She had previously made unverified claims that the federal government was importing Indian migrants to influence votes. Price declined to endorse Ley again and pledged to continue working with Hastie to oppose net zero policies.
“We don’t have much in the way of policy,” she said. “The Liberals’ agenda is under review after the election. We are supposed to be an effective opposition. We want to be able to do our job, so we’re not going to sit back and be silent until we have clear policy positions on key issues.”
Hastie’s recent policy moves and Price’s backing underscore growing divisions within the Liberal Party. His push against net zero and emphasis on domestic manufacturing reflect a faction seeking an alternative direction from Ley’s leadership. Analysts say this may fuel ongoing speculation about a leadership challenge in the future.
Price’s support also signals a broader ideological alignment. Both she and Hastie emphasize traditional values, national sovereignty, and economic self-reliance. Their collaboration could shape the party’s policy agenda and influence internal debates in the months ahead.
As discussions continue, the Liberal Party faces the challenge of balancing unity with diverse policy perspectives. Price’s endorsement of Hastie highlights the tension between loyalty to the current leadership and advocacy for an alternative vision.
For Hastie, Price’s public support strengthens his profile within the party. It positions him as a serious contender for the future leadership while reinforcing his policy positions on net zero, manufacturing, and national priorities. The coming months are likely to see continued attention on both figures as the party navigates post-election strategy and leadership dynamics.
