Peter Dutton and the highs and lows of scoring political points

John McCombe writes: A begrudging acceptance of Bernard Keane’s reasoning here (“And Crikey’s politician of the year for 2023 is…”) but wistful disappointment at his breezy dismissal of the hapless Richard Marles and Angus (the empty suit) Taylor, with their classic Aussie battler CVs featuring top (government-funded) private school education with consequent fraternal door-opening and sponsorship, alas still insufficient for Taylor but grasped with both hands by Marles who, helped by long-forgotten trade union comrades, the ALP factional “system”, a fanatical devotion to LNP and US defence boondoggles and possession of a dick, is now a heartbeat from the Lodge.

His contorted justification for blowing the budget on trying to stop China from blocking its own lifeline sea lanes did not reach the benchmark for arse-hattery this year, but watch out for this boy in 2024.

Andrew Kube writes: You raise an interesting point in acknowledging Dutton’s achievements. He is known for his lies and nastiness. Isn’t giving him an honourable mention like saying a drug dealer should get an award for a profitable business? Should we congratulate Pauline Hanson for successfully spreading racist tropes? Should Donald Trump be congratulated for turning Americans against their own democracy?

We don’t congratulate people for being disgusting.

Steven Cremer writes: Unfortunately I have to grudgingly agree with Keane about Dutton’s political effectiveness. He has a Trump-like ability to focus on others despite having been a pathetic immigration minister. The public should be reminded that he approved the visa of a rapist and now tries to take the immoral high ground in a post-truth way.

Dutton vehemently opposed the Indigenous Voice to Parliament on completely spurious grounds and played on conservative fears about land rights for rich white males. He has never made a principled move that did not benefit his own cause. He has never escaped the prejudiced view of a small-town policeman. 

I suppose he is a success if you applaud the ugly underbelly of Australian politics.

Jane Haley writes: I strongly disagree with Keane’s assessment of Dutton’s performance. His so-called achievements have had the effect of reducing our nation. I’m reminded of a saying that’s never been more apt that goes along the lines of he failed to grow into the role of leader so shrank the country instead.

Steven Brennan writes: I just can’t accept platforming a bloke like Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Yes, he’s rattled the Labor government — but his means don’t justify the end. His so-called achievements were gained by lying and peddling misinformation, amplified by the powerful right-wing media in this country. In doing so he’s harmed Australia, specifically through the No campaign. This act was brutal and shattered the hopes of Indigenous peoples.

Sometimes I think journalists and editors forget the 101s of communication: it’s not only the words but the messages. 

Out of tune

Paul Mitchell writes: Re “Peter Dutton’s one-hit wonder plays to the media’s crime addiction”: I’m prompted to say Crikey would serve its readership better if it provided more articles about the deteriorating parliamentary system of critical review and improving legislation rather than the 100% negativity about Dutton and his shadow cabinet.

Australians deserve representation from every politician they elect. Constructive criticism can be beneficial to our well-being as a community, but the “songbook” to which you refer cannot be justified and should be called for what it is.

Playing politics is overused in our democratic society to justify many unworthy aspects of our parliamentary system, and the players should be called to account much more strongly.

Fortune favours the bold

Catherine Rossiter writes: Re “Tony Burke was Labor’s best in 2023. Albo needs to emulate him in 2024”: I am not a Labor Party member and am probably more likely to vote independent or Green at the next election, but I do want this Labor government to not only undo some of the worst excesses of the previous government but also to steer the good ship Australis towards a more certain future.

While there are plenty of challenges ahead in health, education, NDIS, aged care etc, there is a greater need for structural change if Australia is to remain functional and fair in coming decades. We need significant tax reform (in part at least to address another crisis area, housing), we need to wean our economy off the mining and exporting of fossil fuels, and we need to recognise that the changing climate will bring a huge range of costs and productivity adjustments that have never been seen before.

Anthony Albanese and his team are all pretty competent and keen to deliver for the country, but they need to be bolder in their approach, and better communicators.