Five quick facts about Peter Dutton
- He has served as the leader of the Liberal Party since 2022 after it suffered its worst electoral loss since its formation in 1948.
- He has represented the Queensland seat of Dickson in the Australian House of Representatives since 2001.
- The 54-year-old has held several significant positions in successive Coalition governments, including stints as the Minister for Home Affairs, Health and Defence.
- A married father of three, Dutton was a police officer and businessman before entering politics.
- He is known for his conservative views on issues such as national security, immigration, and law and order.
What did Peter Dutton do before he entered politics?
Before his time in Canberra, Dutton was a small business owner who also had a long career in law enforcement.
In 1988, he joined the Queensland Police Force (now Service) where he worked as an officer for several years before becoming a detective. He later studied at the Australian Federal Police College, and held positions in the National Crime Authority and Drug and Sex Offenders' Squads. He often credits his background in policing as playing a critical role in shaping his views on issues such as security and immigration.
What is Peter Dutton's electoral record?
- Dutton has represented the seat of Dickson, which covers an area of outer-metropolitan Brisbane, since 2001 — maintaining strong electoral support for over two decades. In the 2022 election, he secured 51.7 per cent of the vote after preferences. In the 2019 election, he secured 54.6 of the vote.
- He has held several key government positions throughout his time in parliament, including Minister for Home Affairs.
Peter Dutton during his time as Minister for Immigration in 2015. Source: AAP
When did Peter Dutton become the leader of the Liberal party?
In May of 2022, following Anthony Albanese's defeat of Scott Morrison, Dutton was elected unopposed to lead the Liberal party.
What was Peter Dutton's first speech in parliament about?
Delivered in 2001, shortly after he first won his seat of Dickson, Dutton's first address was heavily focused on his local community, the challenges facing regional areas, and law and order.
He spoke about the importance of government investment in infrastructure and basic services, while also criticising what he referred to as a "boisterous minority" that he said had hijacked public debate.
To me, the Liberal Party was a party founded in many ways on the principles of individualism and reward for achievement. It goes without saying, of course, that these are principles from which I have benefited and always defended with great conviction.
