I wonder how much Dutton’s strategy will depend on the results of the QLD election. David Crisafulli is using similar tactics (except anti-renewable and not pro-nuclear), he keeps making emotional appeals to Queenslanders telling us what’s wrong with the state, advocating for tougher punishments for crime (policy on the other hand is pretty much Labor’s). The most concerning promises he’s made is to make preferencing optional in QLD elections. i.e. remove the best feature of our democracy. Supporters reckon that those which support mandatory preferencing are just sore because their party lost.
Something I find really concerning about Dutton and his flock is the normalisation of disparaging science with “common sense”. Imagine spending 4-5 years of your life building up HECS debt then, spending more time (and HECs) doing a PhD just for the tough ex-cop from Queensland to say no, you’re wrong.
Optional preferencing, why hasn’t that set the socials on fire! That’ll lead to disenfranchisement through neglect of less civically focused population segments. I can’t even see it being good for lib/nats just reduces democratic participation for those who might need a nudge to be more engaged.
That might bite them on the arse!
It didn’t in the QLD local government elections where they gave out how to vote cards with only a 1 on them. Pretty strong victories in Brisbane and Goldcoast (I did vote for a Lib aligned independent because they did a good job and were 1 of 2 candidates and yes I preferences both of them)
Hmm, LGA elections are hard because they’re already optional, so its generally the more active voters that participate. Most active often goes hand in hand with most partisan. But as you say, definitely indicative. And all the more reason to not wish for their return!
Dutton and his flock
Its surely the unopposed platforms they constantly get. Same reason that side of politics hate QandA. Their arguments constantly fall over when they’re not in situational control.
Which is exactly why they disparage the ABC as being biased and gut it when in power. I daresay a Dutton government’s first priorities will be to gut CSIRO, the ABC, Universities and Tafe. Investing any research funding in Nuclear related projects or in getting Newscorp to do what the ABC should
