Peter Dutton spruiks his economic credentials and outlines his plan to become PM

Peter Dutton says his economic credentials are what would make him the ideal PM, stating: ‘I’d made my fortune by the time I was 26’.

Peter Dutton has declared he is the best qualified opposition leader on economics since John Howard, with a business background that saw him make his fortune by age 26.

Speaking in an interview to mark his two years as Opposition Leader, Mr Dutton has made a strong pitch for why, in a cost-of-living election, he is the man for the job.

Responding to the suggestion some of his colleagues think he is more comfortable talking about national and community safety than economics, the Opposition Leader said his resume made it clear this was not the case.

“I think my two strengths are community and national safety and security — and economics,” Mr Dutton said.

“I would be the most qualified opposition leader if economic experience was a prerequisite.

Peter Dutton says he will create a strong point of difference for voters at the next election. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“I would have the most experience of anyone since Howard, coming into this job.

“I was assistant treasurer to Peter Costello. I have been on the Expenditure Review Committee and the National Security Committee where there’s a lot of discussion around economic investment. I’ve been on the Expenditure Review Committee under Costello, under Hockey and Morrison, under Frydenberg.

“And before all of that, ran small businesses, which I started from scratch and I’d made my fortune by the time I was 26. I’d employed 40 people. I’ve set up numerous businesses.

“I’ve got a business degree, and economics is second nature to me. It’s a passion of mine, as well.

“And I’ve learned a lot from Howard and Costello and I would bring all of that into government.”

Mr Dutton says his economic credentials are unparalleled. Picture: Martin Ollman

To win next time would require a break with history, since no party has returned to government after one term in opposition, but Mr Dutton thinks it is doable.

“I just think all of that 100- year-old political theory is out the window in the modern age. People pay on performance and the Albanese government hasn’t performed. There’s not a single Australian who can say they’re better off today than they were two years ago under this government,” he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we can do it.

“As the economy sours because of Labor’s economic decisions, and three budgets, Australians are going to want back-to-basics on management of the economy and only the Liberal Party can provide that.

“People want to live securely in their community, only a government that I lead can provide that.”

Although he left the police 25 years ago, the experience and what he saw in that job has stayed with him.

Mr Dutton as a young police officer with his grandmother. Picture: Supplied

“You’re dealing with 5 per cent of the population who don’t share most of the values that 95 per cent of people do; you’re dealing with a lot of victims who are in the worst hour of their life, and your view can be skewed by that,” he said.

“But what has never left me, though, is the difference between right and wrong.

“To be an effective leader you have to be able to make the tough decisions, the decisions that aren’t always popular, but are in a country or community’s best interests. And I believe that I’ve got that capacity and skill as opposed to Anthony Albanese, who I think is a nice enough person, but he’s weak and tries to walk both sides of the street.”

From the perspective of 2024, many Coalition supporters regard the nine years they spent in government and think of missed opportunities. Has the Opposition Leader reflected on what went wrong, and, more importantly, how will a Dutton government be different? “What are the lessons from last time we were in government? That disunity is death,” he said.

“That we need to stand up for our principles and not be Labor-lite. I think we demonstrated that in relation to the Voice. I think we’ve demonstrated it in relation to a tough discussion about energy. And I think we’ve demonstrated it in standing up on national security and domestic security issues.”

The Opposition Leader on his Dayboro farm with son Tom. Picture: Zak Simmonds

In hindsight, he thinks Scott Morrison’s attempt to govern with the state premiers through national cabinet was a mistake which “undermined the authority” of his office. “In times of war and depression and other bleak periods, the prime minister was always seen as the person in charge. Australians don’t always need to agree with everything their prime minister says but they want to know that the buck stops with that person and that person is capable of taking care of them in that hour of need.”

On energy, Dutton is clear he is “totally committed” to nuclear power, no matter what scare campaign Labor throws at him. “If the Prime Minister wants to conduct a childish conversation, then that reflects on him,” he said. “The government signed up to nuclear reactors sitting at ports in Australia for decades to come — exactly the same technology. And there’s no argument in relation to safety or disposal because the government signed up to both of those under AUKUS.”

Mr Dutton has pledged to make home ownership a reality once more for young Australians. Picture: Getty Images

Along with nuclear energy, Dutton is determined to offer Australians a strong point of difference with Labor on housing, which will be a big part of the Coalition pitch.

“It kills me that a young bloke or a young person who works hard after school to save money, gets a good education, saves money with a part-time job, would have no prospect of buying a house even into their late 20s, even if they’ve got a good job.”

The change from when he was young is dramatic.

“That was my story – I bought a house at 20. Starting with nothing. That young kid today would not have that opportunity. I believe that home ownership is an integral part of the Australian way of life and I am absolutely determined to make sure that we restore that dream and that reality for young Australians.”

Will he actually commit to solving the housing crisis?

“Correct. And the big difference between Anthony Albanese and me at the election is I’ll be promising a model that helps people achieve their homeownership dream. Anthony Albanese will be promising a model that makes people into lifetime renters,” he said.

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