Peter Dutton began the 2025 election campaign needing everything to go right to claim majority government.

As the Australian political landscape heats up with the ongoing election campaign, Peter Dutton, the leader of the Liberal Party, finds himself facing significant challenges just two weeks in. The initial phase of the campaign has been marred by a combination of identity crises, policy misalignments, and a surprising amount of internal turmoil. Experts believe that such a difficult start could jeopardize his chances of claiming a majority government, with traditional dynamics in play where public sentiment can shift rapidly if the opposition fails to establish credibility and connect with the electorate. Dutton's attempts to inject personality and relatability into his campaign—evident in his advertisements that highlight his background as a Queensland police officer and small business owner—indicate an awareness of his image problem. However, despite these efforts, the Liberal Party is failing to resonate with voters who are looking for substantive policy solutions rather than mere character introductions. Some analysts suggest that Dutton's late realization of the need for a cohesive and appealing campaign format lacks the necessary depth and structure, putting him on the back foot against a more organized Labour Party that is efficiently promoting its solutions while painting Dutton as a potential threat. The observation that Dutton is ‘in the bunker,’ appearing reluctant to engage directly and thoughtfully with the broader electorate, creates a perception of detachment during a time when personal connection is paramount in Australian politics. Coupled with an apparent disorganization within his campaign team, the signs point to a challenging road ahead. Liberal insiders note that the Party has still time to turn things around but face significant hurdles both from within and against the Labour Party, which seems to have settled into a more authoritative position with discipline and committed messaging. The next three weeks will be critical as Dutton’s team needs to pivot quickly and adjust their strategy if they hope to salvage a pathway to at least minority government, which appears increasingly elusive.