Labor frontbencher Katy Gallagher has accused Peter Dutton of disrespecting the national capital by arrogantly considering living in Kirribilli House instead of The Lodge in Canberra if elected on 3 May. Peter Dutton confirmed his preference to live in Kirribilli House, a harbourside mansion overlooking the Opera House, stating that he loves Sydney and prefers it over living in Canberra.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on Dutton’s remarks, stating that they showed a fair bit of hubris. Dutton’s preference for Kirribilli House has angered ACT politicians who are already upset by the Coalition’s plan to cut 41,000 federal public service jobs, which mainly affect the workforce in and around Canberra.

Gallagher accused Dutton of having no respect for the people of Canberra, stating that his attitude is in stark contrast to the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who proudly lives in Canberra.

ACT Senator David Pocock expressed disappointment, stating that Canberrans love their city and leaders should celebrate it, not play cheap politics. Labor frontbencher Andrew Leigh mentioned that Canberra is the heart of Australia’s democracy and only Dutton wants to govern from elsewhere.

Albanese shared his thoughts, stating that the prime minister’s residence is The Lodge, not Kirribilli House.

Dutton’s preference for Kirribilli House aligns with former Liberal Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and John Howard, who both lived in Kirribilli House but stayed at The Lodge when in Canberra. Tony Abbott also initially lived in Kirribilli House due to renovations at The Lodge. Malcolm Turnbull lived in his home in Point Piper until renovations were finished. Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard lived in The Lodge but Gillard’s time was affected by possum excretions. Abbott was one of three Prime Ministers not to have lived in The Lodge since its construction in 1927.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/31/peter-dutton-katy-gallagher-kirribilli-house-election