Quarterly Essay 93: Bad Cop cover art

Quarterly Essay 93: Bad Cop

Peter Dutton’s Strongman Politics

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Quarterly Essay 93: Bad Cop

By: Lech Blaine
Narrated by: Angus McGruther
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About this listen

Who is Peter Dutton, and what happened to the Liberal Party? In Bad Cop, Lech Blaine traces the making of a hardman – from Queensland detective to leader of the Opposition, from property investor to minister for Home Affairs. This is a story of ambition, race and power, and a politician with a plan.

Dutton became Liberal leader with a strategy to win outer-suburban and regional seats from Labor. Since then we have seen his demolition of the Voice and a rolling campaign of culture wars. What does Peter Dutton know about the Australian electorate? Has he updated Menzies’ Forgotten People pitch for the age of anxiety, or will he collapse the Liberals’ broad church? This revelatory portrait is sardonic, perceptive and altogether compelling.

“Dutton doesn't need to become prime minister to redraw the battle lines of Australian politics. His fight with Albanese over parochial voters was always going to drag the political conversation rightwards: on race, immigration, gender and the pace of a transition away from fossil fuels … Dutton’s raison d’être? Make Australia Afraid Again. Then he will offer himself as the lesser of two evils. A serious strongman for the age of anxiety.”—Lech Blaine, Bad Cop.

©2024 Lech Blaine (P)2024 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. Australia & Oceania Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government World Witty Liberalism
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This gives a deep insight into Australia politics. Interesting history of how politicians play the masses

The historical context and hypocrisy

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Lech Blaine did a great job in unpacking the psyche of Peter Dutton to reveal what drives him. An absolute must read ahead of next year's election.

Excellent dissection of a man's motivations

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The essay had some great insights and analysis of this key figure. A really good picture is painted, warts and all.

Great analysis

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Well written, well read. Talks of Peter’s family history and his own life experiences and resulting beliefs. Rides the see-saw of pro and con. Good to listen to. Thanks

Speaks to both sides

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Thanks to the author for putting together all the pieces necessaries to understand how this monster operates. I hope history saves us from this kind of individuals in power.

Excellent research

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I have no interest in reviews.If this is nessary I will drop Audiblein 15 words..

Brilliant

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Engaging and comprehensive look throughout Sutton's history both personal and political including voting and issue stance , hypocrisies, supposed reasons for change and drive. I didn't like the man before, but at least I understand where he comes from and his drive a little better now.
A follow up on this 5 years later would be very much appreciated in the future.

comprehensive look throughout history

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I have read all the previous editions on Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbot and others. Kind of mini biographies of the different PMs. They were good and comprehensive. This one is just so biased and Shallow. Disappointing!

So disappointing and Biased

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Felt like it was as much generally about the slide of Liberal Party to the right, rather than a specific Dutton profile.

Interesting but no deep dive

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.