As the election season intensifies in Australia, opposition leader Peter Dutton has adopted a rhetoric reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Dutton has criticized a “woke brigade” comprising banks, grocery stores, and pubs for their focus on environmental and Indigenous issues, and he has expressed concerns about young men feeling “disenfranchised” by diversity initiatives. He has also appointed a shadow minister for government efficiency.
Dutton, leading Australia’s main center-right political party, aims to unseat Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in an election that must occur by May 17. Albanese has faced criticism for his handling of post-pandemic inflation, while Dutton accuses him of being preoccupied with “woke” topics like Indigenous rights, neglecting issues such as high prices and housing affordability.
In response, Albanese has implemented a tax cut and reported a decrease in underlying inflation, which has reached a three-year low of 3.2 percent. However, a recent poll indicated that Albanese's approval rating has dropped to its lowest since he assumed office in 2022, with 57 percent of respondents expressing disapproval of his performance. Dutton's political messaging appears to be resonating with some voters, as he narrows the gap in head-to-head comparisons.
Supporters like Louise Pridham, a retired nurse, have noted Dutton's forthrightness, appreciating his direct approach even if they do not identify as Trump supporters. Critics and supporters alike have drawn parallels between Dutton and Trump, particularly regarding Dutton's outspoken views on diversity and inclusion policies.
Dutton's rhetoric aligns with a broader trend among right-wing politicians globally, particularly in Europe, where Trump’s influence has encouraged a hardening of political stances. However, the political landscape in Australia remains complex, with historical surveys indicating that the conservative base is more aligned with supporters of Hillary Clinton than with Trump supporters.
Since 2021, Dutton has openly criticized “wokeness,” notably banning events promoting LGBTQ+ awareness during his tenure as defense minister. The recent rejection of a proposal to give Indigenous Australians a voice in Parliament has energized conservative sentiments, suggesting a shift in public opinion regarding the emphasis on Australia’s colonial history.
Defending Australia Day, a holiday marking British colonization, Dutton has found support, with a recent survey showing 61 percent of Australians favoring the holiday's continuation. Mark Kenny from the Australian Studies Institute noted that Dutton’s rhetoric resonates with a working-class base that feels neglected by traditional political leadership.
Despite adopting some Trump-like language, Dutton has refrained from engaging in certain contentious issues, such as transgender rights, and has expressed commitment to international climate agreements. Cultural studies expert Graeme Turner characterized Dutton’s use of Trump’s rhetoric as opportunistic, suggesting that the term “woke” has become a catch-all phrase for dismissing opposing viewpoints.
The debate surrounding Australia Day continues, with comments from party leaders drawing criticism. Meanwhile, everyday Australians express a desire for broader changes beyond political squabbles, highlighting a potential disconnect between political narratives and public sentiment.