Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has opened up about the trials and triumphs of her personal life as she navigates the complex world of Australian politics, particularly focusing on Indigenous affairs. The Coalition Senator from the Northern Territory has gained significant visibility, particularly through her pivotal role as the face of the 'No' campaign during the Voice referendum. But behind her political clout lies a deeply personal story of struggle—one she is now ready to share with the world through her memoir, Matters of the Heart, set to be released on February 12, 2024.
Price describes her past with unabashed honesty, expressing the importance of authenticity. "It would be easy for me to gloss over this period, perhaps to briefly touch on it and move on, but there is no point in me telling my story if I'm not completely honest," she said recently to The Australian. This transparency extends to the turbulent early years of her life marked by unexpected motherhood—becoming pregnant at just 17, and surviving from one violent relationship to another before transforming her life.
During her twenties, Price struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, turning to substances like ecstasy and MDMA as a coping mechanism for her pain. "I was partying hard, hitting the ecstasy or the MDMA, but then the comedowns were massive, and... my kids deserve a mum who's not doing this nonsense," she recalled, reflecting on her experiences during her interviews with ABC's Australian Story. These moments of reckless abandon led to spirals of depression and anxiety, prompting her to seek help after years of suffering. "I couldn’t self-destruct, and I wasn’t going to kill myself because of the behaviour and the conduct of somebody else," Price asserts, signifying her eventual path to recovery.
Price's entrance to politics was fueled not only by her lived experiences but also by her desire to empower other Aboriginal women. She acknowledges the lack of a substantial feminist movement among Aboriginal women, stating, "Aboriginal women have never had a feminist movement... the expectation has been for Aboriginal women to toe the line." Her commitment to advocate for marginalised groups involves addressing the factors of poverty and violence, rather than purely racial identities.
Price’s outspoken views have not been without controversy. Recent comments critiquing the quality of data used for the government's Closing the Gap initiative have ignited debate. “I’m concerned we’re not actually receiving the appropriate data to address the problem,” she expressed, emphasizing the need to focus on those who are truly marginalised, particularly within remote communities. Further, she has voiced frustrations about government strategies, noting, "For too long governments have thrown money at the same problems... expecting different results." These sentiments echo her belief for thorough audits of Indigenous affairs spending to eliminate waste and direct funds where they are truly needed.
Throughout her short political career, Senator Price has polarized opinions within the Indigenous community. Many view her as brave for her forthrightness, displaying courage against the tides of conventional thought. Her allies hail her as "bold," showcasing her willingness to speak on sensitive topics such as violence and substance misuse. Conversely, critics argue her positions could bolster harmful narratives and fracture community unity. Former Aboriginal Commissioner Mick Gooda has expressed grave concerns, stating her views may pave the way for racially charged sentiments. "It's now giving people permission... to attack the things we’ve made so much advances on," Gooda lamented. Such tension requires resilience, something Price has had to develop throughout her life.
Facing such backlash and scrutiny from both the political world and her own community, Price still stands firm. "While there are those who don’t necessarily agree with my approach, there are certainly those who do. These are going to be generational changes required going forward... even if it means I will come under attack for my decisions," she stated, confident of her pathway. With objectives to drive lasting change for Aboriginal Australians, her ambition to become the next Minister for Indigenous Australians is underscored by her commitment to equitable policies based on individual need rather than racial identity.
Price’s memoir is anticipated not only to shed light on her past struggles but also to frame the narratives surrounding Indigenous issues for future political discourse. On the ideals she champions, she asserts, "Every day I am in Canberra, I will focus on supporting Australians on the basis of need, not race." This perspective neatly encapsulates her unique approach to what many see as one of Australia’s most pressing issues.
Moving forward, Jacinta Price aims to transform her hard-earned resilience and experiences to carve out policies anchored on empowerment and dignity for Indigenous peoples. Her story resonates not only because of its raw honesty but also for the role it plays within the larger political narrative of reconciliation and progress.
With the next election looming, Jacinta Price stands ready to not only advocate for Aboriginal rights but to potentially redefine the political dynamics surrounding these discussions. Her insights, shaped by personal experience and professional ambition, are poised to challenge and inspire as she journeys through the often-challenging path of Australian politics.
The upcoming election could not only determine her future but also the future directions for Indigenous affairs across Australia, making her memoir and candid reflections all the more significant at this pivotal moment.