Price quits Nationals to join Liberals

Indigenous Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has quit the National Party to join the Liberal Party, believing she will be more effective in her new home as the Liberals rebuild after the election loss.

Senator Nampijinpa Price said in a statement: “I am eager to fight for the best interests of all Australians as part of the Coalition.

“I believe I will be more effective in this regard if I am a member of the Liberal Party, especially as the party faces a significant rebuild after Saturday,” she said.

“A rebuild I feel obliged to play a robust part in.”

She said her decision was “not in any way a reflection on the National Party”.

“I do however feel the Liberal Party is my natural home and somewhere I can contribute meaningfully.”

Nationals leader David Littleproud said he was disappointed by Senator’s Price’s decision.

“I appreciate Senator Nampijinpa Price has ambition that extends beyond the possibilities of the Nationals and I wish her well,” he said in a statement.