Dutton ‘the most destructive party leader in history’ claims fired-up Chalmers
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has used a speech on social cohesion to brand Peter Dutton the “most divisive” major party leader in Australian history.
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton. (AAP Image/Nikki Short)
The federal treasurer made the bold claim in an address to the Labor Party faithful on Monday night in Melbourne, nine months out from the 2025 federal election.
Dr Chalmers said federal Labor’s primary focus was on challenges in the economy and easing cost of living pressures for Australians.
And while Australian politics was relatively free of political violence, it can’t be taken for granted and relies on leadership that avoids the politics of division.
“Leadership can help us become an island of decency and opportunity in a sea of uncertainty and division,” Dr Chalmers said as he delivered the 2024 Curtin Oration.
“But leadership which is destructive, and divisive, is not really leadership at all.
“And that’s what we are seeing from Peter Dutton.
“He is the most divisive leader of a major political party in Australia’s modern history – and not by accident, by choice.”
Dr Chalmers accused Mr Dutton of embracing division.
“It is the only plank in his political platform,” he said in his speech at the John Curtin Research Centre.
“He divides deliberately, almost pathologically.
“This is worse than disappointing, it is dangerous.
“His divisiveness should be disqualifying.”
Dr Chalmers did not elaborate on what he meant by “disqualifying”.
The John Curtin Research Centre is a left-leaning think-tank dedicated to developing ideas and policies for a better, fairer Australia, according to its website.
It was set up in honour of Labor’s John Curtin, who served as the 14th prime minister during World War II.
Comment is being sought from Mr Dutton.
