Peter Dutton’s father suffers heart attack ahead of leader’s debate

The PM has spoken to Peter Dutton after his father suffered a heart attack just before the Opposition leader debated Anthony Albanese. SEE THE VIDEO

Peter Dutton has revealed he considered pulling out of Tuesday night’s leaders’ debate after his dad had a health scare.

Mr Dutton’s dad, Bruce, suffered a heart attack in the hours before the opposition leader was due to face-off with Anthony Albanese for the first debate of the campaign.

Speaking at Erskine Park in Sydney on Wednesday morning, the Liberal leader, 54, said he had spoken to his father earlier in the morning and that he was “doing well”.

“Thank you for the question and asking about him. He’s doing well. He’s stoic. He’s a tough bugger,” Mr Dutton said.

“He’s worked hard all of his life, and he’s been an amazing dad. So ... yeah, of course you think about him. But he’s fine and he’s doing well.”

Peter Dutton at the Sky News / Daily Telegraph People’s Forum. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

Mr Dutton said he will monitor his dad’s condition before deciding to leave the federal campaign for a visit home. He thanked his siblings for being there in his absence.

Mr Dutton shot down suggestions his role as opposition leader could have contributed to his dad’s heart attack.

“He has been worried about me for 50 years. Our family has taken a big toll in this business, there is no doubt about that and our spouses and kids and parents, they all watch and they look on,” he said.

“Dad has had pre-existing health conditions for a long time and as I say, he is in the best of care, I love him very much and he is a great dad to me and my four siblings and an amazing grandfather.

“(He) lives for his grandkids and that is what I think gives him a great spirit every day and I’m glad that he is in good care and I’m grateful for the thoughts and well wishes we have had from literally thousands of people who have texted and emailed overnight. I’m grateful for people’s thoughts and I know he will be grateful and appreciative as well.”

Mr Dutton has been flooded with messages of support.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Liberal leader Peter Dutton prior to the Sky News/Daily Telegraph People's Forum on Tuesday. Picture: Jason Edwards-Pool/Getty Images

The prime minister was among them, confirming he had wished the opposition leader well after hearing the news.

“I spoke with Peter Dutton yesterday [Tuesday], before the debate, I sought him out when I heard the news, we had a private discussion. I wished him well,” he said.

“I’m sure this is a difficult time, PD is obviously very busy with the campaign.”

While the audience of undecided voters gave the debate win to Prime Minister Albanese on Tuesday night, Mr Dutton’s supporters said he did a remarkable job after going ahead with the debate after news of his father’s medical situation broke.

“I sincerely hope your father is OK, and he makes a full recovery,” Derek Sheppard wrote on Mr Dutton’s Facebook page.

“Fantastic job Peter! Thank you for your honesty — Albanese as usual could not answer the questions put to him. Hope your Dad is ok!,” Jennifer Waller posted.

Judy Irene Eureka urged Mr Dutton to ‘get some family time’ after saying he had done a ‘great job’.

Nationals colleague Matt Canavan said he hoped Mr Dutton’s father was OK after the medical episode.

“My thoughts and prayers go to the Dutton family tonight...I just hope they get through this and Peter’s father recovers,” he said.

Mr Dutton has previously spoken about his strong relationship with his parents Bruce, a bricklayer and mum Ailsa Leitch who was secretary.

The Opposition Leader worked closely with his dad, now aged 79, before his political career with the pair starting a small building company.

Earlier in the evening, Mr Dutton posted a video on Instagram sharing he was all set to go for the debate.

Just days ago, Mr Dutton had spoken about an incident where he took his dad to a race track for Father’s Day but things got out of control.

“It was about three or four laps, and about halfway through the second or third lap the guy decided to put his foot down and really give Dad the ultimate experience,” he recalled.

“But instead, what happened is that the car - and I can watch this in my mind as I speak to you in slow motion – started to do 360s and the car started to spin off the track into the sand.

“Now, the story ended well, so I’ve got a good story to tell, ultimately, but I did have this passing thought that out of an active sort of good son interest in thinking about my dad that I’d killed my dad on Father’s Day.”

Originally published as Peter Dutton’s father suffers heart attack ahead of leader’s debate