Dutton struggles to gain women voters’ support

Peter Dutton, the leader of the Australian opposition, is struggling to connect with women voters. Despite his efforts to reassure them, recent polling indicates he is losing their support. A survey by DemosAU showed that while around a third of male voters favor a strong leader like Donald Trump, only about 15% of women share this view. Focus groups reveal that many women are worried about Dutton's potential policies. They fear he might undermine rights and programs important to them, like reproductive rights and healthcare. In contrast, women express a strong appreciation for Medicare and are anxious about a shift toward American-style healthcare. Political expert Kos Samaras notes that polls show women prefer current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over Dutton. The latest data from Resolve Monitor indicates a noticeable preference for Albanese among female voters, with a significant gap identified in younger age groups. Dutton recently promised there would be no reversal of women's rights, but critiques suggest he appears disconnected from the needs of working women. He has suggested flexible work options like job-sharing, which has not been well received by women who often juggle multiple responsibilities. As the political landscape shifts, Dutton and his party may need to adjust their strategies to regain the support of women voters. Issues like climate change, cost of living, and workplace flexibility are central to their concerns, indicating a broader conversation about leadership priorities is needed ahead of the upcoming election.