Page 10 - BOL May 21 Edition
P. 10
Why the defence
portfolio could make
or break Peter Dutton’s
political career
Defence is always one of the Australian government’s busiest — and
most powerful — portfolios. Now, as Peter Dutton takes the helm, this
is no exception, and he will have much work to do.
Challenges abound, both within Australia and in the region. could be defence minister is 417 days – less than his colleagues
Tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific, and speculation Linda Reynolds and Marise Payne, but more than Christopher
persists about potential conflict with China over Taiwan. Pyne and Kevin Andrews.
There are also warnings the impacts of climate change could
“overwhelm” the defence force. Despite the existential risk of political longevity, it seems Dutton
was exceptionally keen to take on his new role. The main thrust
In addition, defence, often a portfolio that gets only sporadic of the argument for this change was that Dutton is a greater
attention from the public, is front and centre of much political political force and would bring extensive ministerial experience
debate at the moment. From bushfire assistance and the to the role, having carved out a formidable reputation at home
COVID-19 pandemic response, to the Brereton Report and affairs.
twerking at ship launches, defence is never far from
the news. As such, Dutton faces a series of major Love him or loathe him, Dutton is a political presence
risks as he takes on the portfolio – but also that can’t be ignored. This has the potential to
opportunities. “ be a major source of strength for the minister
and an opportunity for defence. Dutton
In terms of political risk, the role of Dutton is a political brings considerable strategic weight
defence minister seems like a death presence that can’t be and political gravitas inside cabinet, the
knell for a parliamentary career. Defence parliament and with the media, but to
is one of the largest, most difficult and ignored. This has the many segments of the community he
complex portfolios in government. potential to be a major remains a controversial and divisive
source of strength for figure.
Few, if any, defence ministers go the minister and an
onto more senior roles in cabinet or Such a spotlight carries as many risks as
leadership of their party. Only two of the opportunity for it does opportunities. The key challenge
past 14 defence ministers have served in defence. for Dutton will be how he goes about
the role for three years or more: Robert Hill harnessing this power to advance the national
and Stephen Smith. Eight of the 14 couldn’t interest and Australia’s security.
even make two years in the role. It seems every new
defence minister should be worried about their tenure, in Despite being in the job only a few weeks, Dutton has made
cabinet and the parliament. his presence felt immediately by denying Labor Senator Kristina
Keneally the use of a government aircraft and overturning
If the Morrison government is returned at the next federal the chief of defence force’s recommendation to revoke the
election, Dutton has the opportunity to become one of the meritorious unit citation for special forces soldiers.
longest-serving defence ministers in decades. But this could
prove elusive. These two actions have stamped Dutton’s authority in the
role both in party-political terms and in his authority over the
The next election must occur by May 21 2022. If the Morrison ADF. But they carry risk. The challenge for the new minister is
government falls at that hurdle, the maximum time Dutton threading the needle between demonstrating his strength