Federal Election 2025: Peter Dutton reveals his work as a police officer inspired bid to end domestic violence
Peter Dutton has shrugged off a teenager’s alleged bomb plot and revealed how his experience dealing with domestic violence and suicide as a police officer is inspiring his bid to become Prime Minister.
A 16-year-old has faced court in Brisbane, accused of buying and testing bomb making ingredients.
Mr Dutton has been named as his alleged target.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“(Politics) is a brutal business, there’s no question about that,” the Opposition Leader told The West Australian’s Leadership Matters event on Friday.
“It’s the reason my three children have been cured of any interest in politics whatsoever and I see that as a small blessing.
“I feel an immense sense of pride being able to work in the job that I work in. It takes a decision at some point in life that you want to . . . contribute to a country that you love very much.”
Speaking at The West Australian’s Leadership Matters event in Perth on Friday, Mr Dutton revealed his father Bruce is “on the mend” after suffering a heart attack, before the first leader’s debate on Tuesday.
“He’s an old builder, he’s stoic and he’s tough as nails,” he said.
“Hopefully he’ll be out of hospital shortly.”
In a candid moment, Mr Dutton described family and his experience on the beat as a police officer in the 1990’s in Queensland as a driving force.
The Coalition has pledged $15 million to reinstate the Suicide Prevention Research Fund, if it wins the Federal election on May 3.
“I remember harrowing scenes of going to suicide, scenes of going to deliver death messages,” Mr Dutton said.
“A mother one night just fell to her knees, screaming in tears — all of that has an impact on you.
“The reason I want to make our country a safer place and the reason I want to make sure that we can end the scourge of domestic violence, and the reason I want to protect young children is because of that experience and because of my own experience as a father of three.”
Mr Dutton has previously said there is a “strong argument” for a royal commission into domestic violence.
