Australian voters, Labor MPs react to new poll showing Peter Dutton on track to win federal election

Australian voters and Labor MPs have reacted to recent polling which has suggested that Peter Dutton may have a chance at winning the next federal election.

The Redbridge Group’s poll of 5000 Australians this week has boded well for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition, suggesting that Labor has “no chance of winning a majority”.

Mr Dutton was elected unopposed as opposition leader in June 2022. After Labor labelled him an “extremist,” he encouraged Australians to “look at me and form your own Judgement”.

In December 2023 the Opposition was called “unelectable” by former Liberal leader John Hewson, but Redbridge’s survey suggests they have made significant gains in public perception, particularly in outer suburban and provincial seats.

May 30 2022: New Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton poses for photographs at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tracey Nearmy

Newspoll tracking of leaders’ net satisfaction showed Mr Dutton pulling even with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October, before taking the lead the following month.

Prior to his political career, Mr Dutton was a police officer, and some believe that his ability to leverage that “real-world” assertiveness is exactly what Australia needs.

“Peter Dutton will make a fine PM. A strong leader who’s worked in the real world, loves this country and puts it and Australians citizens first,” said one reader.

“Dutton stands for democracy,” said another.

Other voters have questioned Mr Dutton’s approach to policy.

“Can’t wait for Dutton to implement all of his mystery policies,” said one reader.

“I’ll be interested to see if the [Coalition] actually releases any policies, or give some context on how they will tackle issues,” said another.

“With such a shortage of trades, skilled workers, doctors etc, immigration will be a key issue. Not sure where we get the workers required without internationals.”

Mr Dutton’s plans for “cheaper energy” through nuclear power have also struck a chord with voters.

“Go Dutton, go nuclear. We need both,” said one voter.

“Time for common sense, build the damn nuclear plants,” said another.

Under Mr Dutton’s plan, Australia’s nuclear power would be generated by a government-run network of power plants as early as 2035.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton at Littlewood Berry Farm in Richmond, Tasmania. Picture: Linda Higginson

While some readers were enthusiastic about the plan, others have raised questions about the cost. Australia’s peak scientific body the CSIRO have asserted that “renewables remain the lowest cost range of new build electricity technology.”

The Redbridge polling suggested the Albanese government was struggling to connect with the Australian public on a number of issues, most notably the rising cost of living.

Federal Labor MPs acknowledged the polling had put party members on edge.

“They were pretty concerning,” one Labor MP said.

“In a sense it’s surprising, in a sense it’s not surprising – it’s a continuation of a trend.”

Other MPs tried to play down the importance of the survey of almost 5000 voters.

“The only poll that matters is the poll on the day of the election,” another Labor MP said.

“Voters are feeling the cost of living pain,” said one reader.

“Prices on everything have blown out of all proportion, interest rates are high, businesses are going broke and inflation is staying high all because this government cannot stop spending” said another.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Polling suggests the race has become much tighter, but Australians seem pessimistic about either party’s ability to provide a clear path forward.

“I think it will be a baton change,” said a Telegraph reader.

“I’m not a fan of Albo, but Dutton is much worse … when people suffer and go backwards, they will do what they always do: vote for the other party because they want a fresh voice.”

Mr Dutton welcomed the possibility of an early election while speaking to Karl Stefanovic on the Today last week.

“We’re ready. Bring it on … call the election and put Australians out of their misery.”