Peter Dutton ‘distracted’ by Voice as fresh poll shows nosedive in personal approval

The opposition leader must refocus and stop talking about one issue that has become a distraction for the party, outgoing Liberal Karen Andrews says.

An outgoing Liberal MP has claimed her party has become distracted by the Voice to parliament debate and should switch focus to the cost-of-living.

Karen Andrews, who called time on her political career this week, urged opposition leader Peter Dutton to stop focusing on the debate and other fringe issues.

The Queensland MP said the crushing defeat in the Aston by-election indicated the need to talk about interest rates, mortgage repayments and the cost of renting.

“People really are interested in talking about what affects their daily lives,” she told ABC’s RN.

Mr Dutton’s approval rating will sting the Liberal leader. Picture: NCA/NewsWire Emma Brasier

“We need to deal with the issue of constitutional recognition, but we need to focus on all Australians and what they are looking for and that is leadership, that is support for the issues that they face every single day.”

Asked whether the Voice had become a distraction for her party, she responded, “I believe so,” but said the Liberals focus on local communities was the “right thing to do”.

Ms Andrews’ decision to retire at the next election and step down from her role as home affairs spokeswoman triggered a wider than expected shadow cabinet reshuffle, prompted by the resignation of Julian Leeser who quit to campaign in favour of the Voice.

She reiterated her desire to return to the backbench was unrelated to the Voice campaign but confirmed would not be campaigning for a “No” vote.

Her comments come after a fresh poll indicated Mr Dutton’s approval rating has nosedived to a record low of minus 28 per cent.

The Resolve survey, published by the Nine Newspapers, suggests voters have turned on the Liberal leader as he continues to campaign against the Voice.

Ms Andrews called time on her career ahead of a reshuffle. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Dutton shrugged off the polling when asked, insisting voters will come around once Labor’s longer than anticipated honeymoon period wanes.

“I think the polling was taken over when we had a resignation from the frontbench and the public rightly never rewards what they perceive as disunity within the party, but we've got a big rebuild,” he told today.

On whether he agreed with the assessment that the Liberals should shift focus, Mr Dutton stressed the Voice’s impact on the country’s future.

“I‘ve got to take tough decisions in our country’s best interests and fight hard for them. That’s exactly what we’re doing on the Voice,” Mr Dutton said.

“I think for a lot of families at the moment, they have no idea what the Voice is, more worried about how they will pay their bills.

“So, you know, you can understand why people are saying, ‘Why are you talking about The Voice and other issues?’ This is a proposal that will potentially change our whole system of government.

“It's not just about how we can help Indigenous communities.”

Originally published as Peter Dutton ‘distracted’ by Voice as fresh poll shows nosedive in personal approval