Is Peter Dutton a racist? It’s a provocative question to direct at anyone, let alone the national leader of a major political party. But it’s a question being asked after independent MP Zali Steggall told the opposition leader to “stop being racist” and dividing the country after he accused Labor of making the country less safe by admitting migrants from Gaza.

Dutton strongly rejected Steggall’s remark, which she withdrew, and is reportedly considering his legal options. So what are the facts of the matter?

The government has granted 2922 visas to Palestinians fleeing Gaza since October 7 last year, and 1300 of them have arrived in Australia. In human terms, it’s a compassionate response to what is a humanitarian disaster. In political terms, it has become a headache for Labor as Dutton, once again, follows his usual playbook in capitalising on any perceived weakness the government may have on national security or........

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