Full Story Are culture wars and crime an election winning strategy?
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Jan 22, 2025 Ben Smee, Guardian Australia's Queensland correspondent, and Sarah Basford Canales, political reporter for Guardian Australia, delve into the political landscape as Peter Dutton prepares for the federal election. They discuss how Dutton's tough-on-crime messaging seeks to exploit culture wars for voter support. The duo analyzes the implications of rising crime rates for both the Coalition and Labor's campaign strategies. They also explore how public perception shapes electoral outcomes amid pressing concerns about safety and the economy.
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Dutton's 2001 Win
- Peter Dutton flipped a seat in the 2001 election, focusing on safety and security after the Tampa affair, 9/11, and children overboard.
- This mirrors his current campaign strategy, emphasizing his strength during precarious times.
Dutton's Consistent Image
- Peter Dutton's strongman image is consistent throughout his career, not a new tactic.
- His maiden speech highlighted a "boisterous minority" hindering progress, similar to his current rhetoric.
Labor's Crime Pitfalls
- Queensland's state election demonstrates the risks for Labor regarding crime as a political issue.
- The opposition successfully framed youth crime as a crisis, pressuring Labor to adopt tougher policies, ultimately benefiting the opposition.