The good grace with which Peter Dutton exited politics in 2025 explained much about why his colleagues had stayed true.

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But that didn't make it wise. Still, here in that end, was Australian institutional democracy at its best. A swift election night validation.

Dutton's concession speech was generous without caveat: "It's an historic occasion for the Labor Party and we recognise that. I congratulated the Prime Minister and wished he and Jody and Nathan all the very best. And I said to the Prime Minister that his mum would be incredibly proud of his achievement tonight, and he should be very proud of what he's achieved. Thank you."

In person, there was a layering to Dutton that for some reason, he had spent three years convincing voters didn't exist. As I wrote on election night, if that more rounded Peter Dutton had shown up earlier, he might have retained his 2024 poll lead.

Instead, he played the tough guy, appearing to harden further during the leaders' debates. Voters disapproved. In droves.

Angus Taylor is on the same trajectory. Personally, he is likeable enough and quick to laugh. Publicly, he is tetchy and evasive, his attacks adolescently exaggerated.

Albeit for differing reasons, both men arrived at the Liberal leadership in a pre-determined state of agitation, desperate to project meanness.

Why though? Voters never warm to it. Is it the job? Does the party insist on these pyrrhic intermediate triumphs? After all, Sussan Ley started out being more constructive, but Taylor's faction was having none of it.

It is hardly strength. Perversely, working cooperatively with a government now and then takes considerably more courage. It can also be electorally advantageous.

The last opposition leader who did not rely on such uniform negativity is now a second-term prime........

© Canberra Times