A Fair Go? Dutton’s Rhetoric Betrays Us All

Dutton’s divisive comments on gender equality undermine the Australian value of a “fair go,” harming not just women but all of us. We must call out this dangerous rhetoric for what it is - misogyny

The Betrayal of a “Fair Go”

The Australian ideal of a “fair go” is a promise of fairness, equality, and opportunity for everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from. It’s a value that unites us, reminding us that we’re at our best when we lift each other up. Yet, Peter Dutton’s recent comments on men supposedly losing jobs to women, made during his interview with Mark Bouris on the Straight Talk podcast, betray this fundamental principle. His rhetoric doesn’t just harm women; it undermines us all—men and women alike.

The Zero-Sum Game of Division

Dutton’s claim that men are losing out because of women’s advancement is not only factually flawed but also deeply divisive. It frames gender equality as a zero-sum game, where one group’s gain is another’s loss. This narrative is dangerous, pitting men and women against each other and fostering unnecessary resentment. As a woman who has worked hard to earn her place in the workforce, I find this rhetoric insulting. But as an Australian, I find it even more disheartening. It’s a betrayal of the fair go we all hold dear.

A Troubling Pattern of Dismissiveness

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such tactics. Dutton’s comments echo Scott Morrison’s dismissive response to the March4Justice protests in 2021, when he said we should be “thankful” protesters weren’t “met with bullets.” Both reveal a troubling pattern: dismissing legitimate concerns and refusing to address systemic barriers. They highlight a failure to live up to the Australian ideal of fairness.

The Dangerous Implications of Dutton’s Rhetoric

When a leader like Dutton suggests men are victims of women’s progress, it sends a dangerous message. It tells men their fears are justified, rather than encouraging them to see equality as a shared goal. It tells women their hard-won gains are up for debate. And it tells society that weaponising misogyny is acceptable. This isn’t just about jobs; it’s about the values we hold dear.

The Media’s Complicity

What’s equally troubling is the role of the media in amplifying this narrative. Mark Bouris had an opportunity to challenge Dutton’s claims but failed to push back significantly. This reflects a broader media landscape that often prioritises sensationalism over substance. Where is the sustained outrage? The media must hold power to account, not enable harmful rhetoric.

At last count there were only 3 mainstream media articles on this: 1 in favour of Dutton and 2 mildly critical (like being hit with a wet lettuce leaf). Compared to March4Justice where we had over 7,000 unique media impressions here is Australia and around the world including front page stories and lead stories on radio and TV in every Australian mainstream media outlet and lead features in Time Magazine, NBC, BBC, etc. This time the media’s silence is deafening. What has gone so wrong for this story to have been swept under the carpet?

March4Justice: A Reminder of What’s at Stake

The parallels with the March4Justice movement are impossible to ignore. In 2021, 110,000 Australians—25% of them men and boys—took to the streets to demand an end to gendered violence and inequality. It was a powerful moment of solidarity, a collective cry for justice that transcended political divides. Yet, instead of listening, leaders like Morrison and Dutton responded with disdain. Dutton’s remarks are a reminder that, for some in power, women’s rights are still seen as a threat.

Why Punch Down on Women?

So why is Dutton punching down on 50% of the electorate? The answer is simple: because he can. Because he knows that fear and resentment are powerful tools, and because he believes that stoking division will win him votes. But this isn’t just politics as usual; it’s a betrayal of the Australian values we hold dear. A fair go isn’t about pitting one group against another; it’s about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Gender Equality Benefits Us All

Dutton’s zero-sum framing is insidious. It suggests progress is finite—that if women gain, men must lose. This is false and damaging. Gender equality isn’t a pie to be divided; it’s a rising tide that lifts all boats. When women thrive, everyone benefits—men included.

A Call to Action

Dutton’s comments are not just a political misstep; they are a call to action. They remind us that the fight for equality is far from over and that we must remain vigilant against those who seek to turn back the clock. Let’s not let this moment pass without holding him—and the media that enables him—to account. A fair go isn’t just a slogan; it’s a promise. And it’s a promise we must fight to uphold, for the sake of all Australians.

The Stakes Are Too High

The stakes are too high, and the cost of inaction is too great. Our shared future—and the soul of our nation—depend on it.

Onward we press