Central Land Council Chief Sues Senator Jacinta Price for Defamation in Federal Court

Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is facing a seven-day defamation trial in the Federal Court in Darwin, initiated by Lesley Turner, the CEO of the Central Land Council. Turner alleges that a media release by Price in July 2024 falsely implied he was unfit for his role and lacked the support of the council majority, referencing a no-confidence motion that was inaccurately reported. The NT News, which published related claims, later issued a public apology and retracted the article. Justice Michael Wheelahan previously fined Price $1500 after her legal team missed a deadline to file her defense. Price, known for her opposition to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and calls for audits of Indigenous organizations, was sacked from her shadow defence portfolios in 2024 following controversial remarks about government favouritism towards Indian migrants. The case highlights heightened tensions around Indigenous leadership and political discourse in Australia.