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Politics Now

Why Dutton is floating another referendum

Mar 18, 2025
Melissa Clarke, an ABC political journalist renowned for her insights, joins the discussion around Peter Dutton's proposed referendum on deporting dual nationals guilty of serious crimes. They explore the political implications of this controversial move, scrutinizing claims about national security and the ethical dilemmas of stripping citizenship. The conversation takes a deeper dive into public disillusionment with referendums and the disconnect between political strategies and the real issues facing Australians today.
18:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Peter Dutton's proposal for a referendum on deporting dual nationals highlights national security concerns but lacks practical details and sincerity.
  • The debate around citizenship rights raises ethical issues regarding the treatment of convicted individuals and the balance between security and individual rights.

Deep dives

Proposal for Referendum on Deporting Dual Citizens

The discussion revolves around the proposal by the opposition leader to hold a referendum that would empower ministers to deport dual citizens convicted of serious crimes. This idea stems from a long-standing coalition agenda aimed at addressing issues related to individuals involved in terrorism and child sex offenses. However, there is skepticism regarding the proposal's viability, as it lacks concrete details and appears to be more of a strategic move to control political discourse rather than a solid policy initiative. Critics highlight that the timing of this proposal, just before an election, raises questions about its sincerity and the coalition's commitment to presenting a coherent plan.

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