Federal election 2025: Peter Dutton’s campaign ambushed by Jacinta Price’s Trump obsessions

Peter Dutton's Troubled Campaign

Peter Dutton's campaign for the 2025 Australian federal election has been marked by internal strife and questionable strategic decisions. The article highlights several key issues impacting the campaign.

Policy Missteps

Dutton's pledge for tax-deductible mortgage repayments, while providing a campaign talking point, has been overshadowed by other missteps. His impromptu remarks on the Prime Minister's sobriety, coupled with the poorly received policy to end work-from-home for public servants (later abandoned), have created a sense of disorganization and internal conflict within the Liberal party.

• Policy inconsistencies and hasty decision-making raised concerns amongst senior Liberal figures.
• The work-from-home policy generated significant internal backlash, highlighting strategic errors.

Internal Conflict

The article suggests significant internal conflict, with suggestions of a post-election leadership challenge from Angus Taylor. Jacinta Price's outspoken comments further complicate the situation, with sources within the party expressing frustration and the sense that “the knives are out”.

• Internal divisions and leadership ambitions undermine campaign unity and effectiveness.
• The article suggests a high level of internal conflict leading up to and during the campaign.

Election Outlook

The outlook for the Coalition is uncertain. Depending on the election outcome, a significant post-election reshuffle is expected. If the Coalition fails to secure government, the article predicts a leadership challenge for Dutton.

• The severity of the election outcome will determine the extent of post-election repercussions.
• A poor election outcome will likely lead to a leadership challenge.

Overall

The article paints a picture of a campaign struggling with internal divisions, policy missteps, and a perception of disorganization. These factors significantly challenge Dutton's prospects in the 2025 election.