Opposition leader Peter Dutton sat down for a lengthy podcast chat with entrepreneur Mark Bouris this week and shared everything from his support of the Broncos to his meditation habits and the concerns of young men globally.
Over the 90 minute conversation, Dutton outlined what he believes is an “anti woke revolution” occurring globally — with conversations occurring in universities and at the ABC (presumably about a general theme of “wokeness” although this wasn’t defined) not cutting it with people contending with the cost of living crisis.
“Where does it come from? I think there are a lot of universities who have worked on this. I think it’s a movement of the left. And again, this is a business model for some people,’’ he said.
Dutton said that young men have had enough of being overlooked for jobs and promotions, especially when they have female partner who has “decided” the stay home with the kids.
“I think a lot of young males feel disenfranchised and feel ostracised, and they’re saying, ‘Well, hang on, I have nothing but respect for women, and I would never treat my female friends differently than my male friends.’ But I’m being told that I’m some sort of ogre, or I have some belief structure which is true to that, which I know is, is, you know, what I hold in my heart.
“I think there’s just a point where people are fed up.
“They’re pushing back and saying, ‘well, why am I being overlooked at work for a job, you know, three jobs running when I’ve got, you know, a partner at home, and she’s decided to stay at home with three young kids, and I want a promotion at work so that I can help pay the bills at home’ and so I think all of that has morphed.”
Dutton has not yet announced anything substantive on how he’ll deal with the cost of living crisis.
Rather, this week, he announced an initiative enabling small business owners to access up to $20,000 in tax-free meals and entertainment expenses. Dutton brought the policy up during the conversation and spoke at length about it.
Bouris asked about “wokeism” noting — especially in recent months — that “it’s sort of scary to take a position on something, because you’re worried you’re going to get cancelled because your livelihood or the thing you’re passionate about depends on audience and let’s call it acceptability as opposed to population.”
Dutton agreed that it was a “global movement” but that “it’s starting to wane now, I think. And again. it’s a life cycle.”
Dutton said the successful no vote in The Voice recommendation gave a lot of people the opportunity to say, “I thought I was the only one who thought that this wasn’t necessary” and it allowed people to have “breathing space, and they’re more included to be able to speak out.”
Dutton also declared many CEOs are now afraid to speak up.
“I mean, a lot of CEOs who are publicly listed companies, who have got HR and marketing people saying to them, don’t enter into these debates,’’ Dutton said.
“Don’t say anything. Whereas a generation ago, the CEOs of BHP or Coles or Myers or, you know, the big sort of iconic brands felt an obligation to be on the front page of the fin (Financial Review) advocating for tax change or for industrial relations reform.
“Or for, you know, workplace, whatever it might have been and now they’re they only feel that they can comment on in support of some of the work causes because their marketing people are telling them that will get them greater popularity online again.
“I just think it’s a level of weakness that doesn’t serve our country, our country’s best interests.”
Speaking in response to Trump’s executive order on “two genders” Dutton said he reverted to the “innocence of childhood” and wanting to provide an environment where children are not being pressured and can be themselves.”
He said the government should not have a role in someone’s private life, and their identity is an issue for them. But he is concerned about “activist teachers” who might be talking to a year three class about things at odds with what their parents believe should be taught.
As for what the role of prime minister involves, Dutton said it’s about making tough decisions.
“If you want to be a super popular character, then become a movie star of whatever it might be. But for me, the leadership position and the position of Prime Minister is about making the decisions that are not always popular, but that you know are in our country’s best interests.”