Peter Dutton will commit $3 billion towards buying 28 new fighter jets for the air force, seizing on the need to boost defence spending amid controversy over the potential circumnavigation of Australia by a flotilla of Chinese warships.

As reported by news.com.au on Tuesday, Dutton’s investment history was thrust in the spotlight after an analysis of his declarations found he notified parliament of a “share-buying” blitz in late 2008 and early 2009, buying shares in NAB, ANZ, and Commonwealth Bank.

Andrew Charlton was Kevin Rudd's chief economic adviser in 2009. He believes Peter Dutton needs to release shadow cabinet minutes to prove he did not take advantage of a bank bailout for his own financial gain.

The future of the public service has become a hot election issue with fears Peter Dutton’s threats to sack staff will gut essential front line services.

Peter Dutton has promised to spend $3bn on 28 new stealth jet fighters if elected, following the provocative live firing exercise by Chinese warships in the Tasman. Peter Dutton has promised to spend $3bn on new stealth jet fighters for Australia.

The opposition leader has blamed "dirt sheets" from the prime minister's office for media reports raising questions about bank shares he bought during the global financial crisis and detailing his property transactions.

Despite nearly 23 years in federal parliament, Peter Dutton is “not well-defined” in voters’ minds, research shows. This week, the race to shape people’s views turned dirty.

The Opposition Leader has defended himself against accusations he has not been transparent over his large property and share portfolio.

Sarah Ferguson presents Australia's premier daily current affairs program, delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism and interviews that hold the powerful to account. Plus political analysis from Laura Tingle.

Peter Dutton has declared that Anthony Albanese’s leadership is “over” and the race to replace him is under way, pointing to a flurry of high-profile appearances by senior cabinet ministers as proof they’re waiting in the wings.

The foreign minister accused the Coalition of seeking political advantage from ships’ exercises in the Tasman with inflammatory rhetoric on China.