Opposition leader Peter Dutton has been sharply criticised for posting a video pandering to Chinese immigrant voters for “Mid-Autumn Festival” – even though it is spring in Australia.
The Liberal Party leader was slammed for his Tuesday statement about the Asian holiday, which is not celebrated by the vast majority of Australians, with many bringing up his refusal to oppose Labor’s controversial misinformation bill.
Wishing everyone a joyous Mid-Autumn Festival! pic.twitter.com/3F8p0CSNEg
— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) September 16, 2024
“More than 3,000 years ago Chinese emperors prayed to the moon in the hope of a plentiful harvest. From that tradition came a celebratory festival with such wide appeal that it spread across East Asia,” he said in a written statement accompanying the clip.
“The Mid-Autumn festival is testimony to the achievements of modern Australia: we are a people of many backgrounds, of many faiths, who practice many cultural traditions.”
But the gushing statement was widely panned on social media, with critics calling Mr Dutton “shameless” and disrespectful to Australia’s founding stock.
“Stop it! Stop pandering to foreigners. Just congratulating these foreigners says loudly and clearly that they are not Australian. These people need to go back to their countries and enrich their own countries,” said one irate X user.
“What?” asked another. “Let’s talk about the Communist misinformation bill. So you think it’s ok for Australian Adults not to be able to debate and protest on social media?”
“Piss off you censorship dictator. Get over and Join Labor. You are a liar and a traitor to Australia,” said a third.
Another politely wrote: “It’s spring in Australia, sir! How about doing something positive and addressing the misinformation left wing bill!”
Right-wing activist Joel Davis wrote: “It’s springtime in Australia you pathetic traitor, grovelling to Chinese immigrants shamelessly for votes despite them being a 5th column for our greatest geopolitical enemy.
“You are a political whore and a national embarrassment.”
This is not the first time this year Mr Dutton has upset voters by pandering to minority groups.
In July he was criticised by Australians on both sides of the political spectrum over a trip to Israel, while in March he posted about relatively unknown Hindu festival Holi while ignoring St Patrick’s Day.
Pictured above: Mr Dutton with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, left, and with Chinese immigrants on Lunar New Year, right
