With just days to go before election day, the Liberal party’s campaign has been defined by major shifts on policies and candidate scandals.

As the countdown to the upcoming election narrows, the Liberal party, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, finds itself at a crossroads marked by policy shifts and candidate controversies. The campaign, initially aimed at redefining Dutton's image from that of a 'hard-man' to a more relatable leader, appears to have regressed to traditional culture wars. This tactic raises questions about whether it can bolster Dutton's chances against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s established leadership. Political commentator Dan Jervis-Bardy emphasizes the coalition’s struggle to build a compelling narrative that highlights its strengths in contrast to Labor's moderate stability and competence. The campaign has showcased numerous missteps, including inconsistent messaging on sensitive issues such as national security and welfare policies, leading to a perception of confusion among voters. The failure to effectively capitalize on Labor’s vulnerabilities has allowed Albanese’s relatively low-key approach to seem more appealing. Furthermore, recent polls indicate a growing distrust among Australians towards politicians, with a Roy Morgan survey revealing Dutton to be among the most distrusted figures, even surpassing Donald Trump. This perception is compounded by a string of blunders within the Dutton camp, which have contributed to an image problem that might impact his long-term aspirations. As the political landscape shifts with rising protest votes against major parties, there exists a risk for Dutton to become a casualty of broader voter dissent, particularly in light of the potential for independent candidates to capture disillusioned voters. Although there is still a slim chance for success, it hinges on a significant recalibration of strategies in the final days leading to the election. In addition to these tactical considerations, the recent upheaval at commemorative events such as Anzac Day demonstrates the current societal tensions and polarization within Australia, of which Dutton's party must navigate carefully. His condemnations of extremist groups place him in a difficult position where any misstep could further alienate voters who have grown weary of divisive rhetoric. Overall, as we near the finish line of this election cycle, the spotlight turns sharply on Dutton’s ability to turn around his campaign and present a viable alternative to Albanese’s government amidst a fracturing political trust among the electorate.