The public is slow to believe the best of politicians

March 3, 2025

Peter Dutton deserves a little sympathy as he indignantly denies any conflict of interest or impropriety over his purchases of banking shares and real estate. Many people always believe the worst of politicians, particularly if there is any suggestion of abuse of position, making money on the side, or personal enrichment. Dutton has pointed to his high ethical standards, to the fact that he has always disclosed changes in his holdings, and to the improbability of his having any advance or inside knowledge of the Rudd Government’s plans about guaranteeing banking savings at a time when he was in opposition....