Parramatta City Council, one of Sydney’s largest and most multicultural councils, has formally supported a motion expressing solidarity with the local Indian community following Senator Jacinta Price’s controversial comments on immigration.
The motion was put forward by Labor Councillor Michael Ng as a matter of urgency after Senator Price suggested the Labor Party was allowing “large numbers” of Indian migrants into Australia because they “ultimately vote for Labor.”
Ng’s original motion included five elements: recognising the contribution of Indian Australians to the Parramatta community, expressing strong support for them in the wake of Price’s comments, condemning the senator’s remarks as divisive and harmful, calling for a public apology, and affirming the council’s commitment to multiculturalism and social cohesion.
As per The Epoch Times, the motion was debated at the council’s ordinary meeting on Monday, 13 October 2025, and passed with two elements removed—the condemnation of Price’s comments as harmful and the call for a public apology.
Speaking to The Epoch Times on 16 October, Councillor Ng said the situation required immediate action. “Although the Lord Mayor [Martin Zaiter] suggested Council cannot do much on this issue, I believe that as civic leaders it is our duty to show support for the communities we represent,” he said.
“Words matter, and silence in the face of harmful rhetoric is not an option.”
In a joint statement with fellow Labor Councillor Patricia Prociv, Ng said he was proud of the Indian community in Parramatta.
“Since Senator Price’s remarks, we have received many messages from concerned members of the community. Irresponsible comments by political leaders not only hurt the communities we represent but also undermine the multicultural success story of Australia.”
Parramatta is home to Harris Park, also known as “Little India,” where the Indian diaspora has made a significant cultural and economic contribution.
As per report, this motion faced opposition from some councillors. Liberal Councillor Sreeni Pillamarri acknowledged the gesture but argued the issue was federal and outside the council’s remit, adding:
“I feel you are trying to divide the community … time has elapsed and everything had been sorted in relation to the comments made by Price.”
Liberal Councillor Steven Issa moved an amendment to remove the conditions condemning Price’s remarks and calling for a public apology.
It is reported that the council ultimately passed the motion retaining the three elements of acknowledging the Indian community, expressing support for it, and affirming the council’s commitment to multiculturalism.
Senator Price’s comments had previously led to her removal from the shadow defence portfolio, sparking debate on national and local levels about immigration, multiculturalism, and political accountability.
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