Peter Dutton Defends Attending Sydney Fundraiser as Cyclone Approached Queensland
The opposition leader faced criticism for leaving his electorate during cyclone preparations, citing prior commitments and accusing critics of political opportunism.
- Peter Dutton traveled to Sydney for a $25,000-per-ticket fundraiser hosted by billionaire Justin Hemmes while Cyclone Alfred approached Queensland.
- Dutton stated he honored prior commitments, including meetings and a lunch with an archbishop, and returned to Brisbane on the first flight Wednesday morning.
- Labor Senator Murray Watt accused Dutton of prioritizing party fundraising over his constituents, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refrained from direct criticism.
- Dutton dismissed the backlash as politically motivated, emphasizing that the cyclone had not yet made landfall during his brief absence.
- The fundraiser reportedly raised $500,000 for the Liberal Party, drawing further scrutiny from political opponents.
The Guardian 
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
9News 
The Sydney Morning Herald 