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Dutton targets waste and handouts in middle Australia pitch

Andrew Tillett

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has ruled out a pre-election bidding war with Labor on temporary handouts to reduce cost-of-living pressures, outlining an election-year pitch to middle Australia by promising to end wasteful spending, ramp up gas production and embrace a hardline on community safety and security.

Throughout a 40-minute speech marking his return to work ahead of an election due by May 17, Mr Dutton repeatedly drew a stark contrast between himself and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a bid to condemn Labor to become the first one-term government since the 1930s.

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Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.com

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/last-chance-dutton-says-he-needs-to-win-election-to-save-australia-20250112-p5l3m7