Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has announced her intention to run for deputy leader of the Liberal Party following former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's election defeat.
The Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians announced her candidacy in a statement today and officially endorsed Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor for leader of the Liberal Party.
"As I've said with respect to my decision to change party rooms, these are not matters which I take lightly, and this decision today brings with it a great deal of responsibility which I fully accept," Price said.
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"There is no question that returning to our roots as a party is critical right now.
"If we want to inspire and empower Australians across our country, we must return to these roots – these basic values – that define who we are as a party."
Price defected from the Nationals earlier this week in a move that Nationals leader David Littleproud described as "disappointing".
She has previously sat with the Nationals but has announced she will move to sit with the Liberals in Canberra ahead of when the party meets on Tuesday.
The Northern Territory Senator said she wants to represent the "forgotten" Australians.
"I think of my grandparents, who were by no means the elite, building their first home by hand with hessian bags and washing their clothes in the creek in Warners Bay, NSW," Price continued.
"But they saw a spark, a vision of a brighter future for generations to come.
"My Warlpiri grandparents caught the vision and transitioned from nomadic desert life into community life during the emergence of a modern Australia.
"They were the original Aussie battlers – the forgotten people."
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The Coalition is set to vote for a new leader on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's new ministry will be sworn in on the same day.
Taylor made his official bid for leadership on Friday, while Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley is also vying for the job.
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