Jacinta Nampijinpa Price Defends Herself in Federal Court Defamation Case

Northern Territory Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price recently appeared in the Federal Court in Darwin to defend herself regarding a press release she issued in July 2024.

The press release accused Central Land Council (CLC) CEO Lesley Turner of losing support among colleagues and called for a leadership change to ensure the council could more effectively represent Indigenous community interests.

During two days of cross-examination, Price was questioned by lawyers on whether she had adequately verified the claims in the press release. She denied that the claims were false or maliciously defamatory and emphasized that her statements were based on information and reports available at the time. Turner’s lawyers pointed out that Price had previously sent letters accusing the CLC of not giving her the opportunity to respond during the “Voice to Parliament” debates and questioned whether her actions were contradictory.

The court will examine whether the press release constitutes defamation, whether it is protected under public interest, and whether the senator followed reasonable verification standards. Both parties are expected to make closing submissions next Tuesday, after which the judge will make a ruling.