As the federal election campaign reaches its final week, tensions have intensified between Coalition and Labor candidates over contentious social media statements. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was seen campaigning in North Queensland alongside Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal when he criticized the Labor Party for its cost-of-living policies. During this campaign stop, Dutton faced inquiries about Neal’s recently deleted posts, which included derogatory comments about China and suggestions that feminists were responsible for Donald Trump’s 2020 loss.
In response to a journalist’s question regarding these comments, Dutton defended Neal, highlighting his extensive service as a paramedic in the community. However, he also pointed to past controversies involving Labor candidates, including alleged neo-Nazi imagery associated with Ali France, Labour’s candidate for Dickson, which Dutton claimed undermines their credibility on these issues.
Neal attempted to distance himself from Trump during the press conference, suggesting local residents were primarily focused on economic concerns rather than these social media disputes. Conversely, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was campaigning in Victoria with Labor MP Carina Garland, disavowed France’s earlier posts, acknowledging their inappropriateness.
Additional scrutiny on Labour’s social media presence arose surrounding candidate Helen Madell, who faced backlash for her critical posts regarding Pope Francis from 2022. In a bid to bolster his campaign, Albanese also announced a new fund of $25 million for community language schools, underlining the significance of multiculturalism to Australia’s identity and economy.
Furthermore, when questioned about Dutton’s assertions regarding potential changes to negative gearing, Albanese denied any plans for reform, referencing a prior campaign in 2022 where similar claims were made. He affirmed that since assuming office, his government had not altered any policies relating to negative gearing, asserting that it would remain unchanged in the future.
In this heated political environment, both parties are grappling with the implications of their candidates’ past statements while trying to keep the focus on pressing issues like the cost of living that resonate with the electorate.