Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton is facing mounting criticism after his ambiguous comments on climate change during a live election debate sparked backlash from climate experts, campaigners, and political opponents. His remarks, questioning the role of human-driven climate change in Australia’s recent extreme weather events, have drawn sharp rebukes, just weeks before the country heads to the polls on 3 May.
In Tuesday’s nationally televised debate hosted by ABC News, Dutton hesitated when asked whether he believed Australia was currently experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis. Referring to extreme weather in his home state of Queensland, including flooding from Cyclone Alfred, he said: “I think you can see that there’s an impact,” but added, “I’ll let scientists and others pass that judgment.”
Pressed further, he responded, “I don’t know, David,” referencing the town of Thargomindah and suggesting that the public is equally unsure. His reluctance to acknowledge the scientific consensus shocked many observers, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who quipped: “Does he believe in gravity?”
Albanese called Dutton’s answers “stunning” and accused him of ignoring clear scientific evidence. “I would have thought the science is very clear on climate change,” he said at a press conference in Brisbane.
Environmental groups expressed similar alarm. The Climate Council called Dutton “out of touch” and urged him to engage with experts. “There is no excuse in 2025 for a potential Prime Minister not to be fully informed about the climate crisis,” said Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.
The Australian Conservation Foundation went further, labeling his comments “deeply disturbing” and likening them to outdated climate denial. “Falling back on the old line – ‘I’m not a scientist’ – is simply unacceptable,” said ACF CEO Kelly O’Shanassy.
Australia has experienced a series of devastating climate events in recent years—from catastrophic bushfires and heatwaves to floods and coastal erosion. With two million homes and businesses now at moderate to high risk from climate-related disasters, the cost of inaction is growing. Insurance costs alone have surged by $30 billion in the past decade, with many households in vulnerable areas now unable to obtain coverage.
The climate crisis is emerging as a pivotal election issue, especially for younger voters and those in disaster-affected regions. While Dutton has pushed for nuclear energy and a review of Australia’s current emissions target of a 43% reduction by 2030, Labor is committed to stronger emissions cuts and expanding renewables.
Dutton has also said the Coalition would consider withdrawing Australia’s bid to co-host COP31, the 2026 UN climate summit, a proposal supported by Pacific island nations. Tuvalu’s climate minister, Maina Talia, warned that Dutton’s stance could jeopardize diplomatic ties, stating it “forced us to question the nature of our friendship” with Australia.
As public concern over climate intensifies, Dutton’s ambiguous stance may prove a decisive factor in the upcoming election—one where the future of Australia’s climate policy hangs in the balance.
