ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Former highway patrolman Peter Dutton has lashed out at US President Donald Trump this morning after the leader signed an executive order to end his policy of child separation and detention following unbridged global backlash.

Speaking to the media this morning on our state’s Sunshine Coast, Dutton said he was disappointed and angry that such a strong leader like Trump was able to be swayed so easily by public opinion.

He also confirmed that the news coming out of Washington this morning hasn’t affected his opinion on keeping children in detention and in some cases – separated from their parents or guardians.

“The US President used to be someone I admired and looked up to,” said Dutton.

“However, my opinion of him has changed overnight. To allow yourself, as a representative of the people, to be influenced and lead in policy by the public is reprehensible to me. He’s shown his true colours by doing what the majority of his country wants,”

“And no. Donald Trump’s backflip on his immigration policy hasn’t changed my mind or made me question my own. The Liberal Party policy on boat people is keeping you safe and the economy on track for surplus.”

The Advocate reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister for comment but he’s currently out kayaking around the harbour in the rain and is unavailable for comment.

However, Lucy Turnbull explained that her husband had only eaten half his SultanaBran this morning and hadn’t seemed his usual self.

“Kayaking usually cheers him up, call back in an hour or so,” she said before hanging up the phone.

More to come.