“Out of touch:” Canberra minister responds to Peter Dutton’s swipe at Australia’s capital city

ACT Chief Minister, and Minister for Tourism, Andrew Barr has labelled opposition leader Peter Dutton “out of touch” following this morning’s interview on Kiis FM where Dutton took a swipe at Canberra, suggesting you’d have to be on drugs to enjoy the city.

“5.8 million people visited Canberra last year. Our tourism industry continues to grow with more businesses employing more people. Comments like these indicate how out of touch Mr Dutton is and why his party did not win a single House of Representatives or Senate seat in Canberra at the last election,” Barr said in a statement to Traveltalk.

During his interview on Kyle and Jackie O’s breakfast show, the opposition leader was asked by Sandilands why Canberra appeared to have a more liberal attitude towards drugs than in other parts of Australia.

“Why have you politicians legalised all that fun stuff only for Canberra and the rest of us we get locked up overnight? Will this become Australia wide? Will we be able to get to a Chemist Warehouse and get a couple of baggies?” Sandilands asked.

“Have you ever been to Canberra? Dutton said before being interrupted.

“I understand, you gotta be munted!” Sandilands said.

“I get it, I get it,” said Jackie O.

Dutton laughed.

Peter Dutton’s office has been contacted for comment.