You won't believe where this Aussie politician was just spotted—What is he really up to?
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After his historic defeat in the recent federal election—becoming the first Opposition Leader to lose his own seat—Peter Dutton has largely withdrawn from the public eye.
Since May 3, the former Liberal leader has maintained a low profile, with limited public appearances and inactive social media accounts. The last post on Dutton's social media platforms was on election day, 10 weeks ago.
Aside from occasional reports of sightings in Canberra or Melbourne, questions remain about what Dutton’s next move might be—and where he’s been since election night.
Well, wonder no more! In a surprise twist, Dutton was recently spotted front and centre at a lively sportsman’s lunch at the Eatons Hill Hotel, right in the heart of his old electorate.
The event, which was a sell-out, drew a crowd of sports fans and local personalities, including Queensland rugby league legends Allan 'Alfie' Langer, Wendell Sailor, and Scott Prince.

It seems Dutton was more than happy to rub shoulders with the sporting greats and enjoy a bit of light-hearted banter.
The lunch was hosted by radio personalities David Lutteral and Mitch Lewis, with comedian Steve Allison providing the laughs.
Dutton, clearly in good spirits, even made a cameo in a video shared to Allison’s social media, offering praise for the comedian’s performance: ‘Hey Steve, I want to say well done mate – you had the crowd on the edge of their seats. You do a great job and I really enjoyed it. Well done, very funny man.’
Social media users were quick to react to Allison's video, which was captioned, 'This time he speaks the truth.'
One commenter wrote, 'I'm sure your support would be bipartisan,' while another remarked, 'The only truth to ever come out of his mouth.'
Source: @steveallisoncomedian / Instagram.
Some responses were more tongue-in-cheek, including: 'At least he finally found a way not to lose his own seat,' and, 'One could argue the same could be said to him—minus the good job part.'
Peter Dutton was notably composed in his concession on election night.
He told Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that his late mother would have been proud of Albanese’s decisive victory, and he congratulated Cassandra France—who won the seat after challenging him in three consecutive elections.
In the days following, Dutton returned to Canberra to pack up his office and told reporters he wanted to support a smooth transition of power.
'The best model I've seen is where former leaders make a graceful exit from politics and maintain their graceful silence,' he said.
While many took the moment seriously, others viewed it with humour.
Related story: Peter Dutton accidentally strikes cameraman during campaign footy stunt
What do you think, members? Is Peter Dutton’s quiet approach the right way to bow out, or do you expect to see him back in the headlines before long? Have you ever spotted a former politician in an unexpected place? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
Since May 3, the former Liberal leader has maintained a low profile, with limited public appearances and inactive social media accounts. The last post on Dutton's social media platforms was on election day, 10 weeks ago.
Aside from occasional reports of sightings in Canberra or Melbourne, questions remain about what Dutton’s next move might be—and where he’s been since election night.
Well, wonder no more! In a surprise twist, Dutton was recently spotted front and centre at a lively sportsman’s lunch at the Eatons Hill Hotel, right in the heart of his old electorate.
The event, which was a sell-out, drew a crowd of sports fans and local personalities, including Queensland rugby league legends Allan 'Alfie' Langer, Wendell Sailor, and Scott Prince.

Former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has largely stayed out of the public eye since his defeat and loss of his own seat at the federal election on May 3. Image source: @steveallisoncomedian / Instagram.
It seems Dutton was more than happy to rub shoulders with the sporting greats and enjoy a bit of light-hearted banter.
The lunch was hosted by radio personalities David Lutteral and Mitch Lewis, with comedian Steve Allison providing the laughs.
Dutton, clearly in good spirits, even made a cameo in a video shared to Allison’s social media, offering praise for the comedian’s performance: ‘Hey Steve, I want to say well done mate – you had the crowd on the edge of their seats. You do a great job and I really enjoyed it. Well done, very funny man.’
Social media users were quick to react to Allison's video, which was captioned, 'This time he speaks the truth.'
One commenter wrote, 'I'm sure your support would be bipartisan,' while another remarked, 'The only truth to ever come out of his mouth.'
Source: @steveallisoncomedian / Instagram.
Some responses were more tongue-in-cheek, including: 'At least he finally found a way not to lose his own seat,' and, 'One could argue the same could be said to him—minus the good job part.'
Peter Dutton was notably composed in his concession on election night.
He told Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that his late mother would have been proud of Albanese’s decisive victory, and he congratulated Cassandra France—who won the seat after challenging him in three consecutive elections.
In the days following, Dutton returned to Canberra to pack up his office and told reporters he wanted to support a smooth transition of power.
'The best model I've seen is where former leaders make a graceful exit from politics and maintain their graceful silence,' he said.
While many took the moment seriously, others viewed it with humour.
Related story: Peter Dutton accidentally strikes cameraman during campaign footy stunt
Key Takeaways
- Former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has largely stayed out of the public eye since his defeat and loss of his own seat at the federal election on May 3.
- Dutton made a rare public appearance at a sportsman’s lunch at the Eatons Hill Hotel in his former electorate, mingling with Queensland rugby league legends.
- He appeared in good spirits at the event, even featuring in a light-hearted video posted on social media by comedian Steve Allison.
- Dutton has stated his intention to make a graceful exit from politics, aiming to maintain 'graceful silence' following his electoral defeat.
What do you think, members? Is Peter Dutton’s quiet approach the right way to bow out, or do you expect to see him back in the headlines before long? Have you ever spotted a former politician in an unexpected place? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!