Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price allegedly conspired with a school principal to oust the chief executive of an Aboriginal land council, a court heard on Monday, October 20, 2025, in a defamation case that has drawn significant attention. Lesley Turner, the Central Land Council (CLC) chief executive, is suing Senator Price over a July 2024 media release he claims falsely reported a no-confidence motion against him and implied he was unfit for his role.

The hearing commenced in the Federal Court in Darwin before Justice Michael Wheelahan. High-profile defamation lawyer Sue Chrysanthou SC, representing Mr. Turner, asserted that Senator Price and her team 'ploughed ahead' with the defamatory statement without verifying the facts.

Historical and Political Context

Senator Price, a vocal critic of the Albanese government's Indigenous policies, has previously called for a review into the Land Rights Act to ensure greater transparency and accountability within Indigenous organisations. She gained prominence in 2023 for her campaign against the 'yes' vote in the defeated referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. This legal battle unfolds amidst ongoing debates about governance and leadership within Aboriginal land councils, which play a crucial role in managing Indigenous land and affairs.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The core of the defamation claim rests on Senator Price's July 2024 media release. Mr. Turner's claim alleges the release falsely stated that a no-confidence motion had been moved against him by CLC delegates. He contends that the release implied he had 'behaved so unprofessionally that it warranted his dismissal' and was 'unfit to continue to occupy the role of CEO'. Senator Price is reportedly relying on a defence of qualified privilege, arguing her conduct in publishing the media release was 'reasonable in the circumstances'.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Ms. Chrysanthou told the court that Gavin Morris, then a headmaster at an Aboriginal school in Alice Springs, was a 'trusted source' for Senator Price and an 'intermeddler' who sought Mr. Turner's position. Mr. Morris allegedly assisted in drafting a media release for CLC chairman Matthew Palmer, which claimed delegates had voted on a no-confidence motion against Mr. Turner. This occurred while Mr. Turner and Mr. Palmer were reportedly at odds over land rights issues.

Evidence and Data

The NT News had published articles based on these assertions, but later retracted them and issued an apology to Mr. Turner. Despite this, Senator Price has not publicly retracted her statements or apologised. In October 2024, Justice Wheelahan ordered Senator Price to pay KES 150,000 (AUD 1,500) after her legal team failed to file a defence on time.

Risks and Implications

The outcome of this seven-day defamation hearing could have significant implications for Senator Price, who has reportedly claimed the lawsuit could cost her a Senate seat if she were forced into bankruptcy. Beyond the individuals involved, the case highlights the critical importance of accurate reporting and verification in public discourse, particularly concerning Indigenous governance and leadership.

Uncertainties and Controversies

A key point of contention is whether a no-confidence motion against Mr. Turner was ever legitimately moved by CLC delegates. Mr. Turner denies any such motion was lodged. Ms. Chrysanthou argued that Senator Price and her staff failed to question inconsistencies in the initial press release or confirm facts with other sources before publishing her own statement.

What to Watch

The defamation hearing is scheduled for seven days. The court's decision will be closely watched for its potential impact on Senator Price's political career and for setting precedents regarding accountability in public statements by elected officials.