In a recent interview, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton stirred controversy by stating that if elected Prime Minister, he would prefer to reside in Kirribilli, Sydney, rather than at The Lodge in Canberra. Dutton expressed his admiration for Sydney, saying, “I think I’ll take Sydney any day over living in Canberra,” during a radio segment with Kyle and Jackie O.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded while campaigning in Perth, suggesting that Dutton’s remarks reflected arrogance and questioned whether he was prematurely planning for his living arrangements. Albanese remarked on Nova FM, “There’s a fair bit of hubris behind that comment,” emphasising that the official prime ministerial residence is The Lodge, not Kirribilli.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed this sentiment, labelling Dutton’s comments about preferring Kirribilli as “arrogant.” He noted that assuming the role of Prime Minister seemed to have led Dutton to prematurely envision his new living situation, stating, “Peter Dutton is already measuring the curtains at Kirribilli.” Chalmers also highlighted that the upcoming election is crucial, and the government is working hard for every vote.
Dutton’s comments drew further criticism from various ACT politicians, including independent Senator David Pocock, who stated that leaders should celebrate Canberra rather than disparage it. Pocock suggested that if Dutton did not want to reside in The Lodge, Canberrans could vote accordingly to prevent him from having that option. Additionally, Labor MP Andrew Leigh called Canberra the “heart of Australia’s democracy,” asserting that the Prime Minister should live in the capital, arguing that “only Dutton wants to govern it from somewhere else.”
It’s worth noting that historically, few prime ministers have opted to live in Kirribilli rather than The Lodge. Scott Morrison and John Howard are examples of leaders who have chosen Kirribilli as their primary residence while in office. The debate surrounding Dutton’s preference for Sydney reflects a broader discussion about the significance of Canberra as the nation’s capital and the expectations surrounding its leadership.