Peter Dutton tells Australians to ‘buckle up’ for six months of election campaigning

Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes he is the ‘underdog’ in the lead-up to the next election, which is increasingly likely to be held in May.

Australians have been told to “buckle up” for six months of election campaigning, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison looking increasingly likely to send voters to the polls in May.

Mr Morrison, who on Friday called himself the “underdog”, has been on the road in NSW and Victoria this week, and political commentators have been quick to point out he appears to be in election mode, with a major announcement being made while donning a hard hat.

Key government figures have been pressed for more details all week as to when the election would be called but have remained tight-lipped.

The last possible day an election can be held is May 21.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said Australians should ‘buckle up’ for six months of election campaigning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Defence Minister Peter Dutton gave the best clue yet on Friday morning that a May election is looking increasingly likely.

“I think it’s another six months, so buckle up,” he told Nine.

“We live in a great democracy. You should celebrate it,” he said.

Deputy Opposition Leader Richard Marles said there was “no doubt” there was another six months left of campaigning.

“But to be honest, when I look at Scott Morrison, he’s always in election mode because it’s always about the politics, never about the substance,” Mr Marles said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been in NSW and Victoria this week on an unofficial pre-election blitz. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Peter Lorimer

Mr Morrison was asked by Neil Mitchell on 3AW whether he believed he was starting from behind as the “underdog”, to which he agreed.

“I think that’s where we are, I think that’s true. That’s not uncommon for incumbent governments, on more than one occasion that’s been the case,” he said.

“As we get closer to that time, I think people will start to frame their decision.

“The point I’m making is simply: How we secure Australia’s economic recovery is the big challenge now. We’ve come through this pandemic with one of the lowest fatality rates, strongest economies and highest vaccination rates in the world.

“And now we’ve got to embrace this economic recovery, and that means shifting from the pandemic mindset … not the government telling people what to do.

Originally published as Peter Dutton tells Australians to ‘buckle up’ for six months of election campaigning