Big Business: A Consistent Ally
Dutton's voting history consistently demonstrates support for policies that favour big business. He has been a strong advocate for reducing the corporate tax rate, which is often a key demand from the business community. Furthermore, his consistent support for the privatisation of government services and assets indicates a preference for the private sector's involvement in areas traditionally managed by the government. This approach aligns with the idea that private enterprise can operate more efficiently than government bodies.
Dutton's record also shows a tendency to increase scrutiny of unions, while opposing measures that could empower them. This includes voting against increasing trade union powers in the workplace. He has also voted against measures aimed at increasing transparency or diversity within the media, such as increasing the diversity of media ownership and increasing transparency of big business by making information public. His opposition to stopping tax avoidance or aggressive tax minimisation further paints a picture of someone more inclined to back big business than rein it in. Finally, his support for deregulating undergraduate university fees might also be seen as beneficial to private education providers. Dutton has voted against increasing consumer protections.
Mining: Backing Unconventional Extraction
When it comes to the mining sector, Dutton's record reveals a strong inclination towards supporting the industry, particularly unconventional gas mining. He has voted almost always for unconventional gas mining. He has voted against a minerals resource rent tax. He has also voted for policies that may enable mining to proceed, such as supporting the idea of making more water from the Murray-Darling Basin available for use, regardless of potential environmental impacts. These votes highlight a priority on resource extraction and economic growth, potentially at the expense of environmental concerns.
It's important to note that there is no information in the sources about Dutton's voting on banning new thermal coal mines. This suggests that this particular issue may not have been subject to a specific vote during the period covered by the records.
Environmental Issues: A Record of Opposition
Dutton’s environmental voting record is characterised by consistent opposition to policies designed to combat climate change and protect the environment. He has consistently voted against key environmental policies, including a carbon price, the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and the Paris Climate Agreement. This demonstrates a clear stance against significant action to curb emissions.
He has consistently voted against net zero emissions by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2035. He has also voted against measures designed to foster renewable energy, including increasing investment in renewable energy and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). His opposition extends to measures such as carbon farming and vehicle efficiency standards.
Furthermore, he voted against increasing marine conservation and protecting Australia’s fresh water and market-led approaches to protecting biodiversity, all suggesting a general reluctance to prioritise environmental protections. He voted for increasing state and territory environmental approval powers. There is no information about Peter Dutton's voting on climate change mitigation strategies.
People: Tough on Welfare, Stricter on Citizenship
Dutton's voting record also paints a clear picture regarding his stance on policies that affect individuals. He has consistently supported increasing eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship and a citizenship test, suggesting a preference for stricter immigration controls. He has also voted to decrease the availability of welfare payments, put welfare payments onto cashless debit cards, implement drug testing for welfare recipients and introduce tighter means testing of family payments. He has also voted to increase the price of subsidised medicine. He voted against increasing the age pension. He has also supported policies that increase the cost of education, including increasing the cost of humanities degrees and increasing the indexation of HECS-HELP debts. He has also voted against increasing funding for university education and increasing housing affordability.
On immigration, he has consistently voted for stopping people who arrive by boat from ever coming to Australia and turning back asylum boats when possible. His votes against ending immigration detention on Nauru and Manus Island, as well as his support for regional processing of asylum seekers, indicate a tough stance on border control and asylum seekers.
While Dutton voted for a referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, he has also voted against increasing Aboriginal land rights.
He has supported a same-sex marriage plebiscite but voted against same-sex marriage equality. Further, he has also voted against extending government benefits to same-sex couples and against increasing legal protections for LGBTI people as well as against transgender rights. He has voted against reproductive bodily autonomy. Dutton has also voted against increasing restrictions on gambling. He has voted for prioritising religious freedom.
Conclusion
Peter Dutton's voting record provides a detailed insight into his political priorities. His consistent support for big business, his backing for unconventional gas mining, his opposition to strong environmental policies, and his tough stance on welfare and immigration all form a clear pattern. These records help to understand his position on key issues, even though it’s important to remember that voting records are just one way to assess a politician’s views.
These records show what he voted for, which may not represent his complete view of all political issues. By examining this voting record, Australians can make more informed decisions about the type of representation they wish to see in parliament.
Reference: https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/people/representatives/dickson/peter_dutton
