Peter Dutton Says Family Would Rather Watch Married At First Sight Than Federal Budget Reply

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Peter Dutton Jokes Family Prefers MAFS Over His Budget Speech
By Marta Jary

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton delivered a sharp Federal Budget reply on Thursday, vowing to tackle cost-of-living pressures and criticizing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership. However, he humorously admitted his own family might skip his speech for Married At First Sight.

[Image: Peter Dutton with his wife Kirilly and children]
Caption: Peter Dutton with his wife Kirilly and their three children. He joked they’d likely tune into MAFS instead of his speech.

During his address, Dutton quipped, “My wife [Kirilly] is at home recovering from wrist surgery, watching with our kids—unless MAFS clashes with this broadcast.” The remark drew laughter from colleagues. The couple, married since 2003, share sons Tom and Harry and daughter Rebecca.

Sky News Staff Caught Watching MAFS During Budget Coverage
The reality TV show became an unlikely star of budget week. Sky News journalist Sharri Markson inadvertently revealed staff were watching a MAFS episode during Tuesday’s budget lockup. Behind her Instagram post about budget analysis, a screen showed MAFS stars Awhina Rutene and Adrian Araouzou mid-argument.

[Image: Sharri Markson with MAFS playing on a screen behind her]
Caption: Sharri Markson’s Instagram post showed MAFS on a screen during Sky News’ budget coverage.

Budget Highlights and Election Buzz
Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled measures to ease financial strain, including:

• Two tax cuts starting 2026
• A $150 energy rebate
• $19 billion in student debt relief
• $7.9 billion to boost bulk-billing GP visits
• A $793 million women’s health package

Dutton criticized the government’s approach, claiming Australia is “less safe” under Albanese and positioning crime as a key election issue.

Speculation swirls around an early election, potentially called for May 3. Albanese has remained coy, stating only that voting will occur in May.

[Image: MAFS couple Awhina and Adrian arguing]
Caption: MAFS drama overshadowed budget news, even for politicians and journalists.

Dutton’s blend of policy critique and self-deprecating humor underscores the high-stakes political climate—proving even budget debates can’t compete with reality TV’s grip.

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