Peter Dutton can't dodge the spotlight as the election draws closer — or his unresolved problems

Next week will see the first anniversary of the Albanese government's decision to redesign the Stage 3 tax cuts to ensure they were distributed across income levels, rather than just going to those on higher incomes. Grand Coalition strategy not clear The unkind might summarise the Coalition's cost of living policy as non-existent, particularly when Dutton not only initially objected to the reconstructed tax cuts last year but also most of the cost of living relief that the government has introduced in areas like childcare and energy bills. "If you have a look at the sugar hits, you can provide support to people and people appreciate some support, obviously — particularly for energy costs or other support that the government might provide — but people are smarter than that," he told the ABC's David Lipson. Dutton's economy on cost of living A Coalition source said this week that cost of living was not an issue on which the Opposition has any advantage, so it is better off playing to its, and particularly Dutton's, strengths: issues like law and order, and culture war issues like Australia Day. The Coalition's nuclear policy is deeply vulnerable on its costings and technical viability; his political judgement on the tax cut issue questionable; he has had to walk back claims or promises because he's got the numbers wrong — as he did on migration figures last year.