The Coalition frontbencher, who presides over a contentious, hard-line refugee policy, has pointed to a negative campaign by Labor for the dent in his standing, AAP reported. Peter Dutton's majority had dwindled to just 1250 votes on Monday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen He claimed Labor leader Bill Shorten ran a "negative, sneaky and tricky" campaign, in which unionists harassed the elderly. The tactics reportedly included "union thugs ringing old women at night, scaring them on the issue of Medicare and misleading text messages being sent out across marginal seats as well as in our own seat". "The CFMEU, the bikies and others who have been running a negative campaign … clearly that has an impact.

"But overwhelmingly the people of Dickson have been too smart for the bikies, the CFMEU and for [activist group] GetUp!, and we will make sure we win this seat." The Courier-Mail reported that Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang members and CFMEU members had combined to "gang up" on Mr Dutton, gathering outside his electorate office to hold up Labor's 'Save Medicare' material and other anti-LNP posters. Mr Dutton has cancelled the visas of outlaw motorcycle gang members involved in criminal activity. Labor reportedly denied organising the event. Ms Lavarch was the local state MP for 12 years and Queensland's first female Attorney-General and justice minister.

She told Fairfax Media on Monday the swing against Mr Dutton was probably due in part to her own personal appeal, as well as voter discontent with the incumbent. "They were dissatisfied that they didn't see [Mr Dutton] around the electorate and that it was often difficult to get assistance from his office … they felt they were being taken for granted," she said. Voters were also "still upset" that Mr Dutton sought preselection for a Gold Coast seat ahead of the 2010 election, Ms Lavarch said. It came after a redistribution eroded his margin in Dickson. She added that Mr Dutton "ran hard" on his government's border protection policies and "whether that translated into votes, I think we can deduce from the fact he didn't get any swings to him". The office of Mr Dutton has been contacted for comment.

Prior to the election, Mr Dutton was quoted in local media saying he had delivered "local results for the people of Dickson" for the 15 years he held the seat. "Since the last election, I have fought to fast-track the NBN rollout locally, and worked with key leaders in the community to secure important upgrades to schools, roads, health services and community spaces," he said. "As the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection I have successfully delivered key policies that will keep our community safe." Follow us on Twitter