By Denis Hay
The Dickson electorate matters because it could reshape Australian politics. Is it time to break the two-party grip? Discover the candidates and what’s at stake.
Picture this: It’s election night, and all eyes are on Dickson. The seat, held by Peter Dutton since 2001, has become a battleground that could decide Australia’s political direction. But this election isn’t just about Dutton – it’s about whether Australians continue supporting a broken two-party system controlled by corporate interests or electing independents who represent them.
As Australians grow increasingly disillusioned with politics as usual, the Dickson electorate provides a microcosm of this frustration. With five candidates in the running – Vinnie Batten (Greens), Peter Dutton (Liberal National), Ali France (Labor), Suniti Hewett (Family First), and Ellie Smith (TEAL Independent) – the choice is more than just left vs. right. It’s about who serves the people and who serves vested interests.
Key Policies: Climate action, renewable energy, social equity
• Advocates for rapid decarbonisation and a just transition to clean energy.
• Supports expanding Medicare, rent caps, and free higher education.
• Wants to tax billionaires to fund social services.
Key Policies: National security, corporate tax cuts, privatisation
• Has a hardline stance on immigration and law enforcement.
• Opposes stronger climate policies, supporting fossil fuel expansion.
• Prioritises tax cuts for businesses over expanding public services.
Key Policies: Healthcare, education, infrastructure
• Supports increased funding for hospitals, schools, and public transport.
• Backs progressive tax reforms but is limited by party discipline.
• Problem: Labor MPs must vote along party lines, even if it conflicts with voters’ needs.
Key Policies: Christian values, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, pro-Trump
• Focuses on conservative social policies, restricting reproductive rights and opposing marriage equality.
• Publicly expresses staunch support for Donald Trump and aligns with his style of populist right-wing politics.
• Advocates for policies prioritising “traditional family values” and opposing progressive social movements. Key Policies: Christian values, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion
• Focuses on conservative social policies, restricting reproductive rights and opposing marriage equality.
Key Policies: Political integrity, climate action, economic fairness
• Committed to fighting corruption and advocating for campaign finance reform.
• Supports a carbon-neutral economy and stronger worker protections.
• Unlike major party candidates, she can vote independently based on electorate concerns.
Peter Dutton’s extensive career in parliament is filled with controversy and policies favouring corporations over everyday Australians. Additionally, you may find this video interesting (The Baddest MP).
P.S. SCD Remanufacturing mentioned in “The Baddest MP” has been sold to or taken over by (Advanced Manufacturing Queensland) AMQ.
• 2009 Insider Trading Allegations: Bought bank shares before a government bailout announcement.
• Boycotted the Apology to the Stolen Generations (2008): Later admitted he made a mistake.
• Offshore Detention: A key architect of Australia’s widely condemned asylum seeker policies.
• Paladin Contract: Paladin Group was awarded $423 million in government contracts to provide security services for offshore detention centres on Manus Island.
• Climate Change: Opposed net-zero targets, renewable energy expansion.
• LGBTQ+ Rights: Voted against same-sex marriage.
• Public Services: Supports further privatisation, reducing public health and education funding.
• See how Dutton votes on issues important to most voters.
LNP’s record when last in government.
Australia’s two-party system has been hijacked by corporate lobbyists, making real change impossible.
• Liberal & Labor accept millions in donations from banks, mining companies, and developers.
• Policies often reflect donor interests rather than public needs.
• Issues like housing affordability, wage stagnation, and healthcare reform are ignored in favour of corporate-friendly policies.
Punter’s Politics has many videos highlighting how corporations are ripping off Australians, seemingly with government support.
Another great site is Michael West Media. They have many articles and videos that show how the government is failing the voters and corporations are taking our resources, often for free.
• Labor MPs must vote with the party, limiting local representation.
• Even well-intentioned candidates like Ali France are bound by party discipline.
• True independence is only possible outside the major party system.
The rise of Independents and minor parties presents a real opportunity for change.
Benefits of Electing Independents:
• Freedom to vote in the electorate’s best interest rather than party policy.
• Pushes major parties towards accountability and political reform.
• Encourages diverse representation in parliament, breaking the cycle of corporate influence.
• Helen Haines (Independent – Indi): Leading advocate for a national integrity commission.
• Jacqui Lambie (Independent Senator – Tasmania): Championed veterans’ rights and fought against unfair welfare cuts.
• Zali Steggall (TEAL Independent – Warringah): Played a pivotal role in pressuring government action on climate change.
• David Pocock (Independent Senator – ACT): Successfully negotiated improvements to workplace laws, secured better cost-of-living relief measures, and pushed for stronger environmental protections. Pocock has advocated for transparency and political accountability, particularly in addressing corporate influence in policymaking.
The Dickson electorate matters. It will test whether Australians are ready to challenge the two-party status quo. Voters must decide:
• Do they re-elect Peter Dutton, whose record favours corporations over citizens?
• Do they choose a Labor candidate constrained by party loyalty?
• Or do they take a stand, breaking the duopoly by electing more Independent and smaller parties?
A vote for an Independent or minor party isn’t wasted – it’s a direct challenge to the political system that has failed everyday Australians.
1. Is voting for an Independent a wasted vote?
No. Independents and minor parties have gained absolute power in parliament, forcing major parties to be more accountable.
2. What happens if Independents win more seats?
It shifts power away from party machines towards elected representatives who serve their communities directly.
3. How do we break the two-party system?
By consistently voting for credible Independents and minor parties, prioritising people over corporate donors.
If you found this article insightful, explore more on political reform and Australia’s monetary sovereignty at Social Justice Australia.
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View Comments
Peter Dutton can easily be defeated in Dickson if voters understand the principles of preferential voting, particularly if voting for an independent candidate. Watch the link below to understand how it is done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiLAx7kp4Rc
You know what??? I couldn't give two hoots about the whole two party grip thingy, this election is all about getting rid of Temu Trump, Mordor, Mr Potatohead, Spud, dogfood, etc. This is the single most important aspect of this election, to get rid of him once and for all.
Australia does not need, nor does it want, a Temu Trump. We have all seen how it is going over there and we do not want autocratic, fascist scum running our country down the toilet.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your passionate response. Many Australians feel just as strongly about removing Peter Dutton as you do. You're right that this election could be a turning point.
But while removing Dutton is critical, the bigger picture is what comes after. If we only replace one party’s corporate-aligned MP with another bound by party discipline, have we changed the system that allowed people like Dutton to rise in the first place?
This article argues that we need to go beyond just voting against someone—we need to start voting for genuine democratic reform, transparency, and representation. That’s why breaking the two-party grip matters. It's how we stop swapping one controlled politician for another and start building a Parliament that puts the people first.
Let’s hold Dutton accountable—but let’s also use this moment to demand something better.
What kind of leadership do you think Australia needs moving forward?
Der Spud must be buying brown trousers by the truckload with the election not far away and a piss poor 1.7% margin. Sadly, I don't think he'll get the boot but we can always live in hope. I want to see and hear no more from the bald bastard. Don't be surprised that if he does get the chop that Temu Trump will cry about it being rigged. The rest of the LNP will heave a sigh of relief knowing the potato has been well and truly baked to a charred lump.
This article should be reprinted as a flier, suitably endorsed of course, and put in the letterbox or mail slot of every house in Dickson. It gives a clear and cogent reason why the voters of Dickson need to consign their current federal member to the dustbin of history. Put the LNP last.
I'm in the Kooyong electorate, which is held by (Teal independent) Monique Ryan.
In my opinion, Monique Ryan isn't part of the credible independent cohort.
There are a range of important issues that the next parliament will have to deal with. We know where each political party stands on each significant issue. They make statements and publish policies. You can choose the party which aligns with your overall orientation.
There are a number of issues that are important to me-
* Sending peace keepers to Ukraine, I endorse the position of the ALP and I think Dutton has (further);poisoned the reputation of the Liberal Party by opposing this.
* I believe the government showed poor judgement in abolishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
There is evidence of criminality and corruption on publicly funded construction projects. The industry needs plenty of oversight
* Public debt is a major concern. It will be the legacy we leave for the next generation.
Monique Ryan hasn't made a statement on these matters, and won't answer emails about them.
The Kooyong electorate should be aware of her position before voting.
My suggestion for a few years has been to join a minor party that broadly reflects your orientation, promote them, get involved.
You know what they stand for.
For better or worse, I joined the Australian Democrats.
I'd encourage others to do likewise.
Independents are a disappointment