The Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, told Neos Kosmos that if elected, a Coalition government will match similar pledges Labor have made to Greek communities in Australia, which now total almost $12m.
“We’ve already made some of those announcements, we’ve got the same position as Labor in terms of commitments,” he said.
Dutton has pledged support for the Darwin GleNTi festival, the Archdiocese’s proposed Greek Cultural Hub in Oakleigh, the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) heritage and multifunction precinct in Windsor, and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s new cultural centre.
“I think it is important that the commitments that we’ve made show the level of respect and admiration we have for the contribution of people of Greek heritage… it’s a real pleasure to make those announcements,” Dutton told Neos Kosmos.
The seat of Macnamara, held by Labor’s Josh Burns, is in play. It includes the site of the GCM’s Windsor project. Burns will not direct preferences to the Greens, leaving the race open.
Ethnic media, family values, and the Coalition pitch
Dutton praised independent multicultural media. Unprompted, Dutton said, “I think it’s important to invest into the independent multicultural media,” backing the government’s $11.4m over four years, for resilience grants to the sector.
Dutton said independent ethnic media communicate to ethnic communities; they maintain heritages and traditional values – “values which are at the heart of the Coalition.”
Neos Kosmos asked the Opposition Leader to reflect on his public media image as ‘culture warrior’ and if he will support multiculturalism given it was always a bipartisan policy.
“We need to move on from it because it’s not true… it’s not factually correct. I’ve only ever discriminated against one group of people – the group who would seek to do harm to other Australians and I don’t care the background or the heritage.”
The former police officer has often referenced his exposure to domestic violence and abuse.
“I just want to protect and defend what I think is the greatest country in the world… we have an enormous migration story, and we should celebrate it more.
“Particularly since the Second World War, immigration out of Europe, particularly from Greece… we never talk enough about the success stories.”
Dutton says Greek, Indian, Chinese, and other migrant communities align with Coalition values: “tradition, family, commitment to hard work and aspiration.”
“I hope that we can take the time to tell some of the stories of heritages being passed on through the generations, through culture, language, food, and respect for family,” he told Neos Kosmos.
On the ‘Trump factor’ affecting conservative politics globally, Dutton dismissed distraction.
“My focus on this contest… on May 3 there’s only one choice to make – and that’s between the Prime Minister and myself.
“I don’t believe that Australians can afford three more years of this government – electricity is up by 34 per cent, gas by over 30 per cent, groceries up by 30 per cent – simply, the Coalition will always manage the economy more effectively.
“There have been 29,000 small businesses, many run by people of ethnic backgrounds, that have gone broke over the last three years,” he said.
“We want to create an environment where people can work hard, keep more of their money, support their kids through school, give them an education – that’s what I want to deliver.”
Housing hope and economic focus for immigrant communities
Dutton was asked if Coalition tax and housing policies disproportionately benefit higher income earners.
“Firstly, in relation to tax, we’ve said that we’re going to give $1200 back – it’s their money that they’ve paid in taxes. Now people are paying a lot more for rent, more for every item in their household budget, including insurance.
“In housing, we want to spend $5 billion to contribute to 500,000 lots of land… we’ll pay for council infrastructure – sewage, water, roads – so that we can increase housing supply.”
Dutton wants young buyers to access up to $50,000 from superannuation for a deposit. On sale, funds must be returned to super.
“When we bought a house… it was a different time. The cost was much lower in proportion to disposable income. Young Australians have lost the dream of ownership under this government… if we are elected, I can be the prime minister for home ownership.
“We want to get young people into housing. We can only do that if we recognise the reality that they are nowhere near buying a home unless they get this assistance.”
The plan includes allowing first-home buyers of new builds to deduct interest payments on up to $650,000 of their mortgage.
“A family on average incomes would be about $11,000 a year better off – or $55,000 over five years.
“If you get through that first five years… people start to pay down the loan, their house increases in value, and it puts them into a more sustainable position.”
With both parties proposing immigration caps, the low number of tradies remains a pressure point. Dutton confirmed plans to lift skilled migration.
“We most definitely will, and we’ve said that we would at the top.”
Asked how he would manage the alliance with Donald Trump, Peter Dutton committed to fostering a strong relationship.
“We’ve been shoulder-to-shoulder with the Americans for 80-plus years… from the Second World War, the Battle of the Coral Sea… we live in an uncertain century. We need to make sure that alliance [ANZUS] is strong.
“I’m absolutely dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make sure that relationship stays strong.”
Dutton said, “I want all Greek Australians to consider who is best able to manage the economy, and who is best placed keep us safe”.
He said he wants to “deliver a stronger economy, bring inflation down and deal with cost-of-living pressures”.
“I think they are the real issues people will be focused on.”
