Scan any political thread on social media, and one theme stands out: progressive Australians are deeply alarmed about the prospect of a Peter Dutton-led government upending the nation’s way of life. With his track record and rhetoric signaling a hard-right conservative agenda, many fear his policies could steer Australia toward authoritarianism, social regression, or economic division. But are these concerns grounded? Let’s examine Dutton’s key positions, past actions, and what his leadership might mean for the country.
Dutton’s Political Brand: A “Mini-Trump”?
While comparisons to Donald Trump are sometimes overused, Dutton shares some traits with right-wing populists:
Hardline on immigration and refugees – As a former Home Affairs Minister, he championed offshore detention, opposed stronger refugee rights, and has taken a zero-tolerance stance on boat arrivals.
Culture war politics – Peter Dutton’s culture war stance targets progressive policies, deriding “woke” initiatives and “dirty lefties.” He rejected the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and opposes social movements, including Welcome to Country ceremonies. As prime minister, he would refuse to stand before an Aboriginal flag and seeks to erase traditional place names.
Authoritarian tendencies – His support for expanded surveillance laws (e.g., metadata retention) and strong policing powers worries civil libertarians.
However, unlike Trump, Dutton is more disciplined, less erratic, and operates within Australia’s more restrained political system – meaning extreme upheavals are less likely.
What Would a Dutton Government Actually Do?
Policies Progressives Fear Most:
Refugee and Immigration Crackdowns – A return to harsher offshore detention policies, possible cuts to humanitarian intake, and rhetoric against multiculturalism.
Climate Policy Rollbacks – Dutton has criticised renewables, supports nuclear energy (long-term), and may slow Australia’s emissions targets.
Welfare Public Service Cuts – Likely austerity measures, stricter welfare rules, and privatisation risks (e.g., Medicare, NDIS). And there have been indications that the reintroduction of a cashless welfare card system, similar to the Indue Card, could be on the agenda.
Social Issues – Opposition to gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ rights, and Indigenous reconciliation efforts.
Checks and Balances:
Senate Constraints – If the LNP doesn’t control the Senate (unlikely), they’d need deals with crossbenchers, moderating extreme policies.
Public Backlash – Mass protests (such as the March in March rallies against Abbott in 2014) could limit aggressive moves.
Media and Institutional Pushback – Australia’s institutions (courts, public service, some media) would resist Trump-style norm-breaking.
Is This Fear Justified? A Real Risk Assessment
Yes, if:
You strongly oppose conservative social policies (e.g., on gender, race, immigration).
You believe climate action will stall under his pro-fossil fuel, nuclear-focused approach.
You fear erosion of civil liberties (e.g., expanded policing powers, anti-protest laws).
Final Verdict: Should We Be Afraid?
Yes, on specific issues (refugees, climate, civil liberties) – his government would likely push Australia rightward.
The fears are valid, but not apocalyptic. The real risk is policy regression, not democratic collapse. The best counterweight? Voting, activism, and holding a Dutton government accountable.
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Senate restraints may be neutralised by extreme right wing Senators getting elected from the multitude of minor neo Fascist Parties.
The Murdoch Media would be cheering him on, with 7 West and the ABC too frightened and even wilfully complying as well.
With respect to refugees, Dutton also permitted and indeed encouraged harsh and cruel treatment of detainees confined in this country as well as on Manus and Nauru. A national leader so driven by this attitude is totally unsuited to foster wholesome values in Australia.
Dutton’s authoritarian ambitions will far surpass those of Christian Porter.
Now I refer very specifically to Christian Porter BECAUSE he approved the prosecution of Bernard Collaery and Witness K – that was an appalling abuse of power and abuse of process, and a whole lot more.
I saw Christian Porter as a serious threat to our democracy, dangerous! – he was the “Lady in waiting” as it were for the position of PM, a rival to Josh Frydenberg.
Both Porter and Frydenberg are gone fortunately, however what we are faced with in the alternative, Dutton is an amalgamation of Morrison’s dishonesty, amplified, and Dutton’s innate, black and white, copper’s view of the world, and it isn’t pretty.
IT. IS. UGLY!
We have experienced, witnessed and documented 24 years of his fundamental nastiness, racism, abject cruelty, bullying, divisive rhetoric and outright attacks on social cohesion, and a willingness to persecute weaker parties and social groups within Australian society.
Referring to Priya and Nades as anchor babies is just one shining example.
Referring to women that were raped on Nauru, accusing them of “trying it on” to gain access to medical treatment in Australia.
What we do have of Dutton’s, frankly quite monstrous, mindset isn’t so much a smorgasbord as an avalanche – there is TOO MUCH to choose from.
As the saying goes if someone shows you once who they are, believe them the first time.
We have had that first time and a multitude of instances thereafter – we know both who, and what he is.
As the polls turn southwards for the LNP COALition it does seem that the Australian electorate knows enough of who and what Dutton is, also can see clearly the lack of coherence, policy and honesty in the LNP campaign and looks to be choosing accordingly.
I hope that does come to pass on May 3rd.
Peter Dungboy, a pox on politics here, a blight on blends, shades, subleties, differings, decencies, and as Un-Australian an arsehole as we’ve seen over time, should be last on every decent thinker’s ballot. No talent, intellect, But..,we still have the fat fraudite Suppository of trumpetery, the henna harpy broom jockey, assorted ani from (curiously) Queensland, the fat frau of the west, Merde Dog pissing on the tree of civilisation, Dumb and Dumber media manipulators, and Barnaby Uppemanddrinkon. (heave)
P Duddy smiling reminds me of the rictus grin of a mummifying body.
On climate change the Climate Council have described Dutton’s views to be “harmful”.
The CSIRO have stated that greenhouse gas emissions have been high. They indicate that when all green house gases are translated to CO2 we have emissions of 524 CO2 equivalent. If assessments are taken from Professor James Hansen are taken into account we have emissions of 567 CO2 equivalent. Professor Hansen indicates that temperature takes some time to display an increase to the emissions voided. Professor Hansen indicate that a global temperature of 4.5 C can be ultimately be expected, he does not define when in the future. Already around Earth there have been horrific extreme events which have been influenced by greenhouse gases.
With the speed that climate change is happening we do not have time for Dutton’s nuclear policy. Dutton’s plan is to slow down the use of renewables and rely on coal and gas while building nuclear power stations. Due to the aging coal fired power stations shut downs are a highly likely outcome.
In my opinion Dutton comes across as Trump lite.