Dutton’s Divisive Image Costs coalition Key Seats in Queensland

SYDNEY — May 3, 2024 —

The recent Australian federal election saw the Coalition lose key seats in Queensland because of the “Dutton affect,” as his divisive image proved unpopular. The former Liberal Party leader’s image led to a notable swing towards Labor,even unseating Dutton from his seat.Young voters and women, disillusioned with the Coalition, cited Dutton’s leadership as a major factor in the defeat. For more on the election’s impact, read on.
Dutton’s Divisive Image Costs Coalition Key Seats in Queensland

By Tiffanie turnbull, BBC News, Sydney

Despite claims of popularity in his home state, former Liberal Party leader peter Dutton’s divisive image appears to have contributed to the Coalition’s loss in the recent Australian federal election.Queensland, Dutton’s home state, saw a notable swing towards Labor, even unseating Dutton himself from his long-held seat of Dickson.

While final vote counts are still underway,Labor is poised to gain as many seats in Queensland as they did in all other states and territories combined. This shift is largely attributed to a growing number of young voters and women who have become disillusioned with the Coalition, citing the “Dutton effect” as a major factor in the party’s defeat.

One 65-year-old Coalition voter, sue, stated bluntly, “This is where [Dutton’s] from… People know him and they don’t like him.”

Moreton bay: A Heartland Lost

The Moreton Bay region, located north of Brisbane, was once considered a Liberal stronghold. Prior to the election, all three seats in the region were held by the Liberal party, albeit with narrow margins. Dutton’s own electorate of Dickson had the smallest lead in the state.

Dutton’s connection to the area runs deep, with his ancestors settling there in the 1860s. When he first entered parliament 24 years ago, the region was a mix of urban and industrial areas surrounded by semi-rural land. However, with Brisbane’s rapid growth, these outer northern suburbs have experienced a surge in residential development, attracting young families seeking affordable housing.

These outer-suburban neighborhoods, filled with the “quiet Australians” Dutton hoped to rally, were central to the Coalition’s electoral strategy. The Coalition aimed to appeal to voters concerned about the cost of living by promising to cut fuel expenses, improve housing affordability, and support small businesses.Local Support vs. Broader Appeal

While some locals, like campaign volunteer kenneth King, believed dutton’s personal brand would be an asset, others felt differently. King described Dutton as a man of “high character” with “a lot of empathy for ordinary Australians.”

However, aleysha, a swing voter from the neighboring electorate of Petrie, questioned Dutton’s ability to connect with everyday people. “I don’t know whether he appeals to the everyday person,” she said. “He doesn’t put himself in the people’s shoes.”

Aleysha ultimately voted for the Coalition incumbent, Luke Howarth, but acknowledged that Howarth’s association with Dutton may have hurt his chances. “Peter dutton’s face behind him was a huge turnoff – for me personally too,” she admitted.

Sue echoed this sentiment, stating that she was torn at the ballot box due to her dislike of both Dutton and Labor leader Anthony Albanese. “Dutton’s an unattractive personality,” she said. “He thinks he’s presenting himself as strong, but he presents himself as a bit of a bully.”

American-Style Politics Rejected

Many voters expressed a desire to avoid American-style politics in Australia. Sue noted that some of her friends changed their votes because they associated Dutton with former U.S.President Donald Trump, a comparison she deemed “very negative.”

Drew Cutler, who campaigned for Labor in the Longman electorate, believes that Dutton’s policy flip-flops and perceived instability also contributed to the Coalition’s downfall. He cited Dutton’s announcements and subsequent reversals on public service job cuts, work-from-home arrangements, and electric vehicle taxes as particularly damaging.

“I almost think the Australian people would have respected him more if he stuck to it,” Cutler said.