Peter Dutton Criticized for Attending Fundraiser as Cyclone Alfred Approaches

The opposition leader faced backlash for leaving Queensland during cyclone preparations to attend a political event in Sydney.

Peter Dutton attended a Sydney fundraiser at billionaire Justin Hemmes' mansion on Tuesday, leaving his Queensland electorate, which is in Cyclone Alfred's projected path.
Critics, including Treasurer Jim Chalmers, questioned Dutton's priorities, emphasizing the need for bipartisan focus on disaster response.
Dutton defended his actions, stating he had attended cyclone briefings earlier but faced calls from Queensland Labor figures to explain his decision.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged $1 million in recovery grants for affected councils and highlighted federal preparations, including deploying military support and sandbags.
Cyclone Alfred, expected to make landfall as a Category 2 storm later this week, has disrupted political plans, delaying a possible election announcement.