It's easy to accuse politicians of being out of touch, but if there's one thing that the current government ministry is magnificently sympathetic towards, it's the pain and suffering endured by people (in the current government ministry).

Attorney-General George Brandis reminded us of the poor bigots being cruelly made to feel bad for expressing their assumed bigot-rights. Treasurer Scott Morrison gave a stirring speech in support of those facing "persecution" – or, more accurately, "criticism" – for courageously insisting their own beliefs outweigh other people's civil right to wed.

He also got very sad about this photo, so definitely don't circulate it around. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

And now brave, steadfast Peter Dutton, Minister for Immigration and Border Control, has valiantly stood up for the people most wrongly mistreated by Australia's shameful offshore detention. And they are him.

"I'm not going to be defamed by The Guardian and by the ABC because we are doing everything within our power to provide support to people," he said on Thursday, when a journalist impertinently asked whether the reports in those – and other – media outlets were correct. "There are many cheap seats in this debate but for those of us who have to make tough decisions about saving lives at sea ... these are the tough decisions we make each day." You tell us, Pete!