Peter Dutton
Leader of the Opposition
Biography
Background and political history
Peter Dutton is an Australian politician serving as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Party since 2022. He has been a member of parliament for the Division of Dickson in Queensland since 2001. Born in Brisbane in 1970, Dutton grew up in northern Brisbane and attended St Paul's School. Before entering politics, he served as a Queensland Police officer for nine years, working in the Drug Squad, Sex Offenders Squad, and the National Crime Authority. During the Howard, Abbott, Turnbull, and Morrison governments, Dutton served in various ministerial roles including Minister for Workforce Participation, Minister for Health, Minister for Sport, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, and Minister for Home Affairs. He was considered a leading figure in the conservative wing of the Liberal Party. Following the Liberal-National Coalition's defeat in the 2022 federal election, Dutton was elected unopposed as Liberal leader, succeeding Scott Morrison.
Policy Positions
Key issues and stances
Climate Change
Supports measured action
Committed to net zero by 2050 but opposes more ambitious emissions targets. Supports technological solutions and opposes carbon pricing.
National Security
Advocates strong border security
Tough border protection policies, increased defense spending, and strong counter-terrorism measures.
Economy
Supports free market policies
Lower taxes, reduced government spending, and deregulation to encourage private sector growth and investment.
Energy
Supports traditional and nuclear energy
Advocates for a technology-neutral approach including nuclear power, gas as a transition fuel, and maintaining baseload power capacity.
Education
Supports school choice
Advocates for parental choice in education, maintaining funding for non-government schools, and curriculum focusing on traditional educational standards.
Voting History
Recent votes on key legislation
Climate Change Bill 2022
Bill to enshrine emissions reduction targets in law
Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Bill 2022
Electric vehicle tax incentives
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022
Implementation of aged care royal commission recommendations
Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022
Introduced 10 days paid domestic violence leave
Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022
Implementation of Respect@Work report recommendations
Election History
Past election results
| Year | Electorate | Result | Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Dickson | Won | 54.8% |
| 2019 | Dickson | Won | 54.6% |
| 2016 | Dickson | Won | 51.6% |
| 2013 | Dickson | Won | 60% |
| 2010 | Dickson | Won | 52.8% |
| 2007 | Dickson | Won | 51.9% |
| 2004 | Dickson | Won | 55.1% |
| 2001 | Dickson | Won | 51.4% |
Contact Information
Get in touch with Peter Dutton