Attack on Dutton says more about Labor’s lack of ideas

The federal Labor Party reportedly intends to play the man and not the ball with revelations that in the lead-up to the next election it will run a negative campaign against Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (“ ‘Let’s get Dutton’: ALP plays the man”, 21/10).

Labor wants to paint Dutton as “arrogant, aggressive and reckless”. These same three characteristics could apply equally to Anthony Albanese. Of course this is a second version of the tactics successfully adopted against former prime minister Scott Morrison. But there is a huge difference. There are no bushfires and Dutton will not be on holiday in Hawaii. There is no convoluted Brittany Higgins saga. There is no Covid-19 pandemic. At the coming election, the winner will be determined by the policies the voters think will make life easier and lead Australia out of its present economic dilemma. Painting Dutton as arrogant, aggressive and reckless is not going to deliver Labor a victory. Australians are just sick and tired of personality politics. They are demanding substance; leave the petty and populist politics to the state and territory governments as we are currently experiencing in Queensland. Federal politics is the main game.

Peter Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic

It seems Labor is again planning to play the man instead of enlightening the electorate about its policies. The character assassination of former prime minister Scott Morrison was a new low on our political scene, without any thought for the damage it might cause to Morrison’s young family. If it occurs again it will highlight the paucity of Albanese’s record as our Prime Minister.

Valerie Donovan, Corinda, Qld

Surely Labor can run on its record, rather than hide behind the personal attacks on political opponents? After all, there are lots of successes to be proud of: $275 cheaper electricity, 1.2 million new homes in five years, productivity increases to fund real wage increases, improvements in education outcomes, reduction in commonwealth debt, and the reintroduction of civil discourse in parliament. And topping the list of successes, lest we forget, the $500m voice.

Ian Morison, Forrest, ACT

Labor threatens to “get” Peter Dutton during the lead-up to the next federal election. It seems to have spent too much time taking a lead from a Prime Minister who has proven to lack a spine when tackling the big issues both domestically and abroad. Dutton on the other hand has absolutely no difficulty in standing up and being counted when push comes to shove. One could almost guess what his response would be on reading this on Monday’s front page.

Mike Flanigan, Wellington Pt, Qld

Anthony Albanese will run a negative campaign against Peter Dutton’s “arrogant, aggressive and reckless” personality. It has been said a lot lately that Albanese is not in touch with the people he governs and this strategy for the next election sharply illustrates that. If the ALP and Albanese think a character assassination of Dutton is what voters want, rather than new policies and strategies to address our many domestic issues, then they are cluelessly disconnected from the electorate.

Paul Clancy, Tanunda, SA

The paucity of the Albanese government is demonstrated by its plan – a little over two years in the job – to avert the electorate’s attention to the alleged shortcomings of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. It is an act of desperation, a tactic deployed when an incumbent has run out of ideas and is failing to cut through. It worked for Labor in 2022 but the Coalition was seeking a fourth consecutive term, and led by a man who bore the brunt of the Covid-19 crisis.

Albanese’s failure has been of his own making. He promised to govern from the centre, in the way of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, but has instead governed from the left.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

It is curious that Anthony Albanese would choose to highlight the “arrogance” of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. The ALP’s well-practised “play the man” tactics, including a politician’s personal appearances from the past, may backfire. The Coalition should not lower itself to the same standard and “highlight” the PM’s poor style of speaking and his less-than-commanding and awkward presentation on the stage with world leaders.

Bruce Collison, Banks, ACT