The opposition leader refuses to reveal details on potential spending cuts while demanding government transparency

As Australia heads toward a crucial election, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s reluctance to provide clear answers on his economic plans is raising eyebrows. While he insists he is “happy to take questions,” his responses suggest otherwise.

During a recent interview on Insiders, host David Speers pressed Dutton six times on whether he planned to cut government spending—and if so, by how much and in which areas. His only concrete response was that public service jobs would be reduced, but he refused to specify which departments or services would be affected. He dismissed the need for an independent audit of government spending, stating, “We know what we’re doing.”

Dutton’s lack of clarity comes at a time when the Coalition is attacking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for not providing enough information about an alleged terror plot involving a caravan of explosives. While demanding full disclosure from the government, Dutton remains tight-lipped about his own party’s financial plans, leading to accusations of hypocrisy.

His media strategy has been equally selective. Unlike past opposition leaders who used frequent media appearances to shape public perception, Dutton has carefully limited his engagements—appearing mostly on Sky News and rarely at events where he would face intense questioning. Notably, he has yet to address the National Press Club since becoming opposition leader, breaking a long-standing tradition.

The Coalition’s economic proposals remain vague, with one of its only notable policies so far being a plan for tax-deductible business lunches—an initiative estimated to cost anywhere between $250 million and $10 billion annually, depending on whose figures are believed.

With the election only months away, the Australian public is left wondering: will they know what a Dutton-led government actually plans to cut before they head to the polls? Or will they only find out after the votes are counted?