Peter Dutton ranks high in most lists of unlikeable politicians, and the reasons for the widespread dislike are multifaceted. Here’s a breakdown of why many people harbour negative views toward him. This isn’t an exhaustive list, nor does it imply universal dislike, but it captures recurring themes:
Divisiveness and Harsh Rhetoric
Dutton’s political style could best be described as aggressive and polarising. He has a tendency to frame issues in stark “us vs. them” terms, a tactic likened to Donald Trump’s playbook. For instance, his 2024 call to ban Gaza refugees, citing security risks, was labeled “inherently racist” by Independent MP Zali Steggall and “the most divisive leader of a major political party in Australia’s modern history” by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. His past comments – like claiming Victorians were too scared to eat out due to “African gangs” (2018) or suggesting that allowing Lebanese refugees into the country in the 1970s were a mistake – fuel perceptions of fearmongering and racial dog-whistling. He stokes division rather than fostering unity, a sentiment echoed in X posts calling him a “low-energy individual” thriving on negativity.
Controversial Policy Positions
Dutton’s policy stances alienate progressive and moderate voters. His push for nuclear power – proposing seven government-owned plants – draws ire for its cost (estimated at $116–600 billion by critics) and impracticality, with experts like the CSIRO arguing it’s decades away from viability. His rejection of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in 2023, despite bipartisan origins, and his 2008 walkout from the Stolen Generations apology (later called a “mistake”) paint him as out of touch with reconciliation efforts. Posts on social media platforms and articles in independent media highlight his environmental rollbacks – like defunding the Environmental Defenders Office – as pandering to mining interests, further frustrating climate-conscious voters.
Reputation from Ministerial Tenure
His 20+ years in politics, including roles as Home Affairs and Health Minister, carry baggage. In 2015, Australian Doctor magazine polled over 1,100 doctors, with 46% voting him the worst health minister in 35 years, citing underfunding and mismanagement. As Home Affairs Minister (2017–2021), he oversaw Operation Sovereign Borders, deporting thousands but also drawing human rights critiques – like the Australian Human Rights Commission’s warning that his citizenship-stripping laws risked statelessness. High-profile interventions, such as saving au pairs for connected mates while rejecting asylum seekers, feed accusations of cronyism and hypocrisy.
Personal Image and Past Actions
Dutton’s stern demeanor – often mocked as Voldemort-like – and blunt delivery don’t win charm points. Incidents like texting “mad fucking witch” about journalist Samantha Maiden (accidentally to her, 2016) or joking about Pacific nations’ rising sea levels (2015) cement a perception of insensitivity. His Queensland Police background (1990–1999) during a notoriously corrupt era adds a layer of distrust for some, speculating it shaped his authoritarian streak. His refusal to apologize for much beyond the Stolen Generations walkout reinforces an unyielding image.
Media and Cultural Backlash
The progressive-leaning commentariat and social media amplify these gripes. Outlets like Independent Australia catalog his “85 reasons” for unfitness, from racism to misogyny, while X posts rail against his “white supremacist ideals” or “Trump-like” tactics. His 2025 insider trading scandal – alleged share dealings before a policy shift – has fueled corruption narratives, though unproven as of now. This resonates with voters already skeptical of politicians.
The Why, Critically Examined
The dislike isn’t just personal – it’s structural. Dutton’s brand thrives on a shrinking conservative base, clashing with Australia’s growing multicultural, urban reality. His policies and rhetoric seem tailored to exploit anxiety, not solve it, which grates on those craving optimism or nuance. Data backs this: Labor outpolls the Coalition on hope and empathy, while Dutton’s gains come from anti-Labor fatigue, not policy love. Whether this reflects genuine unfitness or a media-amplified caricature is debated – but the visceral rejection from many is palpable, rooted in his record and style.
So in a nutshell: He’s not very likeable
Dear reader, we need your support
Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.
One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.
With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.
Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
Dutton is about as likeable as maggot-infested rice that’s turned grey as it’s been sitting out for too long. He’s like Tone the Botty only worse.
Considering that he has been out of the police force for over 25 years, he has not shifted his world view. He tries to present himself like a cross between Inspector Monroe and Des Taviner.
Jeeez. Imagine being the poor soul who wakes up next to that visage.
It’s not just the “woke” who don’t like the member for Dickson.
“He’s not very likeable” is an accurate, but very mild, description of him.
There is a C-Word that fits him best.
No. Not THAT one.
Complete Bastard.
What were you all thinking of?
Agree completely with these assessments. All the more reason for him to remain leader of the opposition. We don’t want a coalition government. However, I wonder if Labor had better polling they might be a little more brave in their policies.
It all depends on how easily voters are disinformed, misinformed, and bamboozled, and that is what the polling reveals. A bit disheartening, but that is the human species.
And he is little more than a (s)trumpet looking for a nice post-politics quid pro quo of the likes of Morrison’s – all based on treachery.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/scott-morrison-spends-new-year-s-eve-with-donald-trump-at-mar-a-lago-20250101-p5l1ki.html
In a nutshell: he’s an arsehole. I cannot think of one positive word to use about him.
Peter Duckwit-Futton remains a dunce, dill, drongo, dreg, a lump of extraordinary excrementality posing as aware, dutybound, caring. He is below a mozzie’s mort’s dock, lower than a lizard’s length, below a grub’s gristlewurst. Do NOT ever vote for proven rubbish. Even if a Trump frightens, an un-Australian Dutton will nauseate nastily.
One can do more, related to his Orwellian ‘white is black, black is white’ claims that ‘the left is anti-semitic’ while in the US FoxNews, one of Dutton’s related media enablers has been promoting white Christian nationalism (plus created their ‘Frankenstein’ in Trump); Murdoch often publicly disowns Trump, but still hangs out and 20 former FoxNews people in White House?
Dutton’s, LNP, Musk et al and GOP utterances indirectly seem informed by eugenics (see Camp of the Saints & ‘the great replacment’) and there is a direct analogy with 1920-30s Weimar Germany.
Same tactic of dog whistling and denigrating anything centrist or liberal or Jewish by targeting the metaphor, The Frankfurt School’s ‘cultural Marxism’ a la ‘woke’; a slippery slope…..countered by furious deflection from neo Nazis, Hitler salutes, Trump etc al etc. in RW MSM (honourable mention to Hartcher who publicly alleged Trump is a ‘Russian asset’, but the rest…?)
It would be impossible to say anything at all about Dutten. If he were to be elected – heaven forbid- it will be a chainsaw to all of medicare and other services. Nothing can be more certain. His Deputy PM the inane Sussan whatever her her name is without the weird adornments from some superstitious nonsense said:”You don’t respect anything unless you pay for it.” Well – Goodbye to Medicare for a start.
I fear more than just Medicare Judith.
@Andrew Smith:
I think Hartcher – at heart a dyed-in-the-wool conservative – is on the vibble-vobble as the Trump horrors reveal themselves. On the other hand Parnell Palme is unapologetically Conservative despite her weaselling sophistry. I suspect their masthead will tolerate less than impartial reporting as the campaign heats up – all in the name of free speech of course.
Sorry Michael, Dutton is likeable.
I had the privilege of chatting with several Liberal and One Nation candidates at the recent WA election, and Dutton is really well liked by those bigoted, racist, misogynist on the right…. and the right both politically, and in their very humble opinions, always right.
Dutton is scary.
Something that has me worried is that a friend who watches TV told me she recently saw a long interview with Dutton in which they portrayed him as a nice family guy. I wonder how many people uncritically believed that propaganda. He does seem to know how disliked he is and is deliberately trying to create a fake “likeable” version. He even seems to have got someone to teach him how to smile (though it still looks scary and creepy).
If he ever gets to be Prime Minister, woe is us. It will take a long time to undo the damage. Right-wing governments destroy the economy and hurt people; left-wing governments rebuild the economy and help people. Dutton would wreak incalculable damage upon our economy and the most vulnerable Australians. Sadly, I think, with the backing of Murdoch (who should really be behind bars), I’m expecting Dutton will be our next PM.
O.M.G.
Miriam, how wonderful to see you. ❤️
Miriam, As a parent, a husband and if he has grand children, as a grand parent Peter Dutton could well be a really nice man.
But as Leader of the Opposition, as the alternative Prime Minister, as a minister in various portfolios in the previous governments he is not and was not a ‘nice guy’.
He may well see it as his job to be an absolute bastard to all except his family and his rich mates, and he does that job really well.
Judith says: … the inane Sussan whatever her her name is said: ”You don’t respect anything unless you pay for it.” I guess she didn’t respect traveling on the taxpayer’s purse to look for investment properties then.