Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called on the support of “quiet Australians” to deliver a surprise victory at the ballot box, as the federal election campaign enters its final crucial days.
Despite national polls showing Labor maintaining a significant lead, Mr Dutton remains confident that disillusionment with the government and a groundswell of silent support could still swing the result in the coalition’s favour.
Campaigning across multiple marginal seats, Mr Dutton is expected to visit more than two dozen electorates in the final week before Saturday’s vote, focusing on areas where internal Liberal polling suggests the contest remains tighter than public surveys indicate.
Speaking to supporters, Mr Dutton said the election outcome would ultimately be decided by Australians who are not visible at rallies or on social media, but who make their voices heard through their votes.
“It’s the quiet Australians who will decide this election,” Mr Dutton said.
“They want safe communities, affordable energy, and responsible economic management — and they know only the coalition can deliver that.”
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison famously used the term “quiet Australians” in 2019, when he defied expectations to secure an unexpected election win. Mr Dutton is now seeking to tap into the same sentiment of dissatisfaction among voters who may be reluctant to voice their concerns publicly but are looking for change.
Political analysts suggest that protest votes, including swings away from major parties towards independents or minor parties, could create unexpected dynamics in closely contested seats. Some insiders believe that such shifts could give Mr Dutton a narrow path to victory if preferences fall the coalition’s way.
The Liberal campaign in the final week is expected to focus heavily on cost-of-living pressures, national security, and criticisms of Labor’s management of energy policy — issues the coalition sees as resonating with undecided voters.
Labor, meanwhile, is aiming to consolidate its lead, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framing the election as a choice between a steady future or what he describes as a return to “division and instability” under the coalition.
Almost 2.5 million Australians have already cast early votes, but with millions still to vote on Saturday, both sides are ramping up efforts to secure last-minute support.
For Mr Dutton and the coalition, the hope remains that the “silent majority” will quietly but decisively turn out to back them at the polls, just as they have done before.
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