I’m not particularly well informed as to the plight of first nations peoples, but my understanding was that their interests are better aligned with progressive parties with social policies.

This is problematic thinking to begin with, we should try to avoid making assumptions about people from minority groups. It’s sort of ironic in a way, because Price’s latest controversy is related to exactly this - she accused Labor of bringing in large numbers of Indian migrants because “Indians vote Labor”. But anyway, you were obviously engaging in good faith so I’m not going to criticise you too harshly. It’s a trap we can all fall into if we’re not careful.

I think your understanding of Price’s position in Australian politics is mostly accurate. She has been elevated because, among other things (she is a strong and confident communicator, for example), her political support for right wing ideology as an Indigenous woman adds weight to the Coalition’s more controversial positions regarding Indigenous affairs. She is far from the only Indigenous person to hold those views, but I think her age and gender are a big part of her appeal because they have some potential to be used as wedges (many of her Indigenous political opponents are older and/or men). Her mother was also a CLP member and I believe was a big influence on her, as is Tony Abbott who is one of her biggest supporters (Indigenous affairs are a lifelong passion for Abbott, likely due to his strong Catholic beliefs).

Australian Story did an episode on her not long ago, it is probably worth a watch if you are trying to understand her background and relevance in today’s political landscape.