Peter Dutton’s frank interview: I want people to get to know the real me

After his narrow defeat in the leadership challenge, former Home Affairs minister — and the government’s newest backbencher — Peter Dutton has given a frank interview where he complained the public didn’t know the real him saying he had a “self-deprecating sense of humour” and likes a drink like anyone else.

FORMER Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has given a frank interview on Sky News where complained the public didn’t know the real him saying he had a “self-deprecating sense of humour” and likes a drink like anyone else.

Mr Dutton said he wanted to show the world that he knew how to “smile” as he defended his decision to challenge Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for leadership of the party.

“I might have a reputation out of the border control,” he said.

Peter Dutton gave a frank interview on Sky News.

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“In the immigration portfolio you are defined by Nauru and Manus

“I didn’t put anyone on Nauru or Manus, I got people off. If I could have bought them to Australia flight I would have but I would have seen people drown at sea.

SHARRI MARKSON ON THE CHALLENGE:

“I think the opportunity for me as a backbencher now is to talk to people. I have a self-deprecating sense of humour and like a drink like anyone else. It is an opportunity for me to talk about the other side of me the public might not know.”

Peter Dutton wants to show the world he knows how to ‘smile’. Picture: Sean Davey

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ANALYSIS: Turnbull believed Dutton didn’t want his job. He was wrong.
Mr Dutton said he felt resigning after his failed leadership bid was the “honourable” move.

“I was under the opinion that seeing as a challenged the leader of my party it was untenable for me to sit in the Cabinet with him and for that reason under the Westminster tradition and despite his kind words about wanting to stay on I thought the right decision was to insist on that resignation.”

Mr Dutton faces the media at a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday. Picture: AFP

Mr Dutton said immigration policy, energy policy and a failure to provide clear messages to the public was behind his motivation to challenge Mr Turnbull.

“It is clear the Australian public and particularly the capital cities have a view that the migration figure is too high,” he said.

Peter Dutton takes his place on the back bench.

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“People are worried about housing affordability in some parts of the country

“These are all issues you need to consider … these headline issues which I think are important to people.”

The backbencher also promised there would be “no sniping” and “no undermining” now that he had resigned.