An opposition leader accused of racism and a prime minister accused of misleading parliament on a matter of national security.
That pretty much sums up this parliamentary week, even if it doesn’t get us any closer to the answer we needed: Has Australia carried out adequate security checks on Palestinians resettling here from Gaza?
Anthony Albanese insists that normal protocols are being applied. The opposition says it has information suggesting otherwise.
This dispute – along with the unanswered question – is the basis for Peter Dutton being accused of racism and Albo of misleading Parliament about what the ASIO chief said.
Criticism of Dutton was inevitable once he decided to apply pressure on this political hot potato.
Whether it was the Teals or the Greens, the leader of the opposition was always going to get the R insult. True or not.
Dutton would have entered this debate with his eyes wide open, knowing that he was in for an insult.
Either he didn’t care or he decided that those throwing darts at him weren’t bad opponents to have in that space.
In the end it was a Teal Party MP who accused Dutton of racism, from the safety of Cowards’ Castle, of course.
Dutton may not mind that one of the Teal Party’s most prominent MPs – Zali Steggall – has made it clear that she would, in effect, never support a minority coalition government.
Zali Steggall uttered the slur in the House of Representatives, where he enjoys protection from defamation laws.
Dutton hopes to win back some of the Liberal seats that were previously held by secure independents.
Perhaps he does not care that one of his most prominent MPs makes it clear that he would, in fact, never support a minority coalition government.
That now-obvious reality will give some traditional liberal voters something to think about in the next election, as opinion polls suggest the most likely outcome is a minority government.
The Greens have long been outspoken critics of Israel, and they too have attacked Dutton’s tactics this week.
Uniting the Greens and the Teal Party is a political victory for the opposition leader, who plans to fight the upcoming election.
But what about the potential repercussions of his heightened rhetoric this week among voters?
To a large extent, this will only serve to entrench opposition among voters who would already not consider supporting a Dutton-led coalition government.
But there is a risk that some undecided voters will now turn against the Coalition on this issue.
But those voters will likely decide who they support or not based on more material issues right here at home.
To quote the famous Bill Clinton-era saying, “I’m talking about the economy, stupid.”
The debate over the cost of living, rising inflation, high interest rates, low productivity, per capita recession and excessive government spending are the issues that are likely to influence voters when casting their ballots.
Either they will penalise the government for all or part of the points mentioned above, or they will not want to return to the Coalition so soon after ousting them from power despite the economic circumstances Australia is currently experiencing.
Either way, this week’s national security debate, mired in accusations of racism, is little more than a red herring.
An opportunity for the Coalition to consolidate its tough-on-border mantra. An opportunity for sensitive hearts to show their willingness to make that wish a reality.
For the most part, Dutton’s comments will only entrench opposition among voters who would no longer consider supporting a coalition government.
It should be noted that the criticisms of the Labour Party have been much more moderate than the attacks of the Independent Party.
This is because the ALP hopes to win voters from sections of the Australian community who might agree with Dutton’s remarks.
The formation of a government in general terms requires the support of a broad church.
Labor knows this and has been cautious in its criticism of Dutton’s approach, defending itself against his attacks but without the digs that people like Steggall love to make.
Only from the comfort of the Coward’s Castle, of course.