Peter Dutton's campaign for the 2025 Australian federal election has been plagued by internal issues and controversial policy decisions. A haphazard campaign, marked by hastily assembled policies and a disconnect between Dutton's office and campaign headquarters, has raised concerns. His impulsive comments, such as insinuating the Prime Minister was drunk, have drawn criticism and been compared unfavorably to Donald Trump's rhetoric.
Internal dissent within the Liberal Party is evident, with murmurs of a post-election leadership challenge from Angus Taylor. The controversial policy to end working from home for public servants, despite objections from senior female Liberals, further highlights the internal divisions and lack of strategic coherence.
While Dutton's pledge for tax deductibility on mortgage repayments offers a campaign platform, its effectiveness is uncertain. The article suggests the policy, along with others, may not resonate with voters, particularly the idea of taxpayers subsidizing housing costs for wealthy individuals.
The article speculates on the potential outcomes of the election and their impact on Dutton's leadership. A significant loss could trigger a leadership challenge from Taylor, who is already facing blame for policy failures. The author notes the three leaders in the election are Dutton, Albanese and Trump (through his influence on the campaign).
The article briefly acknowledges that Albanese's campaign has not been flawless, citing instances like his attempt to downplay a fall from a stage, but overall presents it as less problematic than Dutton's campaign.