The son of Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been photographed holding a clear zip-top bag containing a small amount of “white powder”.
Tom Dutton, 18, was photographed with what was described as a “birthday present” on the balcony of an apartment in Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The teenager was pictured facing the camera, holding a bag in his right hand.
The photo was posted to Tom Dutton’s friend’s Snapchat account with the caption “Birthday cake.” Hello how are you.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting the white substance is a drug.
Tom Dutton, 18, was photographed with what was described as a “birthday present” at an apartment in Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast.
Asked about the photo, Mr Dutton’s office told the Daily Telegraph: “This is a private matter for the Dutton family.”
The image was posted on Tom Dutton’s friend’s Snapchat account.
The photo was deleted shortly after being shared, but a screenshot taken by one of the recipients continued to circulate online.
Snapchat is popular with young people because posts usually disappear once read.
Recipients can screenshot posts, but the person who shared them will be notified.
Asked about the photo, Mr Dutton’s office said: “This is a private matter for the Dutton family.”
Mr Dutton criticized soft drug laws last year, saying “the ACT government is rolling out the red carpet for drug use and more crime”.
“This effectively welcomes more ice, heroin, cocaine, MDMA and speed onto our streets,” he said in September.
Mr. Dutton, a former police officer, said he knows “our law enforcement is working tirelessly to keep drugs off the streets and to keep our community safe.”
More soon.