Single image sums up Peter Dutton’s approach to life post politics after his humiliating election defeat

By MAX AITCHISON, POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 03:42 BST, 16 May 2025 | Updated: 04:30 BST, 16 May 2025

He served the people of Dickson for almost a quarter of a century but any trace of Peter Dutton has been quietly airbrushed from his electoral office.

The former Opposition Leader suffered the ultimate indignity on election night when he was ousted from his seat in Brisbane’s outer-northern suburbs, which he had held since 2001, by Labor’s Ali France. 

But, most observers agree, Dutton exited the political stage with dignity and grace. 

He told Anthony Albanese how proud his late mother would be of his thumping majority and he congratulated France, a constant thorn in his side who finally succeeded in beating him at the third time of asking. 

This magnanimity was again on display when he returned to Canberra last week and told reporters he wanted to see a smooth and supportive transition of power.

‘The best model I’ve seen is where leaders, former, make a graceful exit from politics and maintain their graceful silence, so that’ll be my model,’ he said.

In keeping with this spirit, Dutton’s staff have quietly scrubbed all mention of him from his parliamentary office in Strathpine. 

Pictures taken this week show ‘Peter Dutton MP’ has been removed, leaving a space for Ali France to stick her name above ‘Federal MP for Dickson’ and below Australia’s Coat of Arms.

Former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) suffered the ultimate indignity on election night when he was ousted from his sea which he had held since 2001

Dutton’s parliamentary office is pictured before staff removed all trace of the politician

The blue Liberal signage has been removed to be replaced by the red of Labor (pictured)

The blue Liberal signage has also been entirely removed, no doubt waiting to be replaced by the red of Labor. 

The office appeared to be stripped bare inside, with doors shuttered awaiting the new occupant.

It was a similarly quiet scene at Dutton’s sprawling 68hectare family farm in Dayboro, around 20km inland from Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

One might assume the freshly-unemployed 54-year-old would be overseas enjoying a well-earned break with his wife Kirilly and their three children after a gruelling five-week campaign.

But he has reportedly been spotted dining out at one of Melbourne’s finest Italian restaurants.    

‘His iconic scalp was spotted at Citta Di Stasio on Wednesday night, dining with a friend,’ the AFR’s Rear Window column reported. 

‘The up-market Spring Street establishment is a favourite of business and political types to wheel and deal.’

Could Dutton be sizing up a well-paid advisory role?

 The office is pictured before all traces of the ousted Opposition leader were removed

Peter Dutton’s name has been removed from the electoral office following his defeat

Perhaps he could follow in the footsteps of his former boss Scott Morrison and take up a lucrative role in the defence industry.

He did signal as much in his concession speech, telling the party faithful his time as Defence Minister was the ‘highlight of my career’.

But one well-placed source isn’t convinced.  

‘Honestly, I’m not sure he cares,’ they said.

‘He’s got enough money not to work, plus his pension.’

Thanks to a now-repealed parliamentary pension scheme, the former member for Dickson will receive an annual pension of $258,000 for the rest of his life. 

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Single image sums up Peter Dutton’s approach to life post politics after his humiliating election defeat

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