Peter Dutton: The Former Policeman Who Revived Australia's Opposition
In 2002, a young ex-cop took the floor of Parliament House in Canberra and introduced himself to the nation.
When Peter Dutton first addressed the Australian Parliament in 2002, he warmly thanked his community before launching into a fiery speech. Drawing from his experience in law enforcement, he railed against crime, trade unions, and refugee advocacy groups.
"As a police officer," he said, "I’ve witnessed both the best and worst in society… and seen the kind of behaviour that barely justifies existence in our sometimes over-tolerant country."
Dutton promised to stand up for Australia's “forgotten people” — those frustrated by “boisterous minorities” and political correctness — a message that has defined his rise through the ranks of the Liberal-National Coalition.
Now 54, Dutton is preparing to lead his party into the upcoming May election, doubling down on issues like energy, housing, and government efficiency. Often compared to Donald Trump for his blunt rhetoric and conservative views — though he rejects the comparison — Dutton has become one of Australia's most polarising political figures. Yet, he’s also one of its most experienced, with over two decades in parliament and key roles in immigration, health, defence, and home affairs. After taking over the Coalition following its worst loss in 70 years, he’s made the party competitive again in just one term — a turnaround few expected.
From the Beat to the Ballot Box
Born the eldest of five in Brisbane, Dutton was described by his family as responsible and straight-laced. After high school, he joined both the Queensland Police Force and the Liberal Party, choices that would go on to shape his political ideology.
He spent nine years in the police force, tackling serious crimes and even being injured in a high-speed car chase. Eventually, he left the force to work in the family business while pursuing a political career.
His breakthrough came in 2001 when he won the federal seat of Dickson, defeating prominent Labor MP Cheryl Kernot. His win caught the attention of then-Prime Minister John Howard, who became a mentor and a model for Dutton’s political style.
By 2004, Dutton had landed his first ministerial role. When the Coalition returned to power in 2013 under Tony Abbott, he was already a prominent conservative voice in the party. His hardline stances on immigration and national security would come to define his legacy in government.
Dutton played a key role in enforcing Australia’s controversial policy of detaining asylum seekers offshore, fiercely defending it from criticism. He was outspoken about China, expanded federal surveillance powers, and was instrumental in securing the Aukus defence pact.
A Controversial Career
Dutton hasn’t shied away from contentious national debates. He boycotted the 2008 national apology to the Stolen Generations — a move he now admits was a "mistake." More recently, he led the campaign against the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum, arguing it was divisive and constitutionally risky.
His career has also been marked by scandal. He’s made remarks criticised as racist, was filmed joking about climate change’s impact on Pacific nations, and once accidentally texted a journalist calling her a "mad witch."
Despite an unsuccessful 2018 bid to unseat then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Dutton remained a powerful figure within the party. After Scott Morrison’s 2022 election defeat, Dutton finally took over as leader.
At the time, polls showed him as deeply unpopular, and some within his party questioned whether he could win back the moderate voters who had abandoned them. But Dutton argued that years in tough government roles had made it difficult for voters to see his more human side.
"I'm not going to change," he said in his first press conference as leader, "but I want people to see the whole person and make their own judgement."
A New Image, Same Core Views
Since becoming opposition leader, Dutton has attempted to soften his public image. He’s opened up about his struggles with alopecia, possible PTSD from his policing days, and his personal life — including a short first marriage and a daughter from a previous relationship whom he calls "the best mistake I ever made." He now has two sons with his wife Kirrily.
Though his tone may have mellowed, Dutton’s policies remain staunchly conservative. He’s proposed appointing a government “efficiency tsar” — likened to Elon Musk — to slash public service jobs and cut bureaucracy. He has also taken aim at diversity and inclusion programs, while distancing himself from debates on gender and abortion.
His signature policy heading into the election is a $300 billion nuclear power plan, which he claims will reduce emissions, lower energy prices, and create jobs. However, nuclear energy is currently banned federally and in many states, and experts doubt the plan’s feasibility or cost estimates. Many believe it’s a tactic to delay transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Lowering the cost of living is another key focus. Dutton has proposed easing housing costs by cutting construction red tape, reducing immigration, and letting Australians access their superannuation to buy their first homes — though critics argue deeper reforms are needed, even if politically risky.
He’s matched Labor’s pledge for more bulk-billed GP visits, called for a crackdown on crime, and promised to restore Australia’s strained ties with allies like the US and Israel.
The Road to the Election
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Dutton of taking the Coalition even further to the right, saying his leadership is marked by "cold-hearted, mean-spirited" politics aimed at vulnerable groups.
“I want a campaign focused on substance and hope,” Albanese said when calling the election. “Dutton only offers fear.”
Dutton, on the other hand, says Albanese is “weak” and “woke,” and claims Labor has taken the country backwards.
“The question Australians need to ask,” he says, “is: are we better off than we were three years ago?”
Leave A Comment