Opposition Leader Peter Dutton breaks silence after image emerges of teenage son holding bag containing white substance.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s office has responded after a photo of his teenage son Tom holding a clear bag containing a “white powder” appeared online.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that the 18-year-old was pictured at a Gold Coast apartment in the image posted on Snapchat with the caption “Birthday present”. Hello how are you ?

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Opposition Leader’s son pictured with small bag of white substance in Gold Coast apartment.

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The image was reportedly captured in a screenshot before being deleted.

7NEWS.com.au is not suggesting the substance was a drug.

Dutton’s office said in a statement to the Telegraph that the image was not a political issue.

“This is a private matter for the Dutton family,” the statement said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's office says a photo involving his son Tom, 18, on the Gold Coast constitutes a — Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s office says a photo involving his son Tom, 18, on the Gold Coast constitutes a “private family matter”. Credit: Seven

Peter Dutton and his wife Kirilly have two sons, Tom and Harry, while Dutton also has a daughter, Rebecca, from a previous relationship.

Dutton worked as a police officer for nine years, including in the drug squad, but left the force in 1999, two years before being elected to Parliament in 2001.

He had previously spoken about his work in an Instagram post after becoming leader of the opposition in 2022.

“I’ve had tough jobs, first as a police officer dealing with sexual assaults and serious murders, then as interior minister, where I deported drug dealers and child sex offenders,” he said. he declared.

“Most people only saw that side of me.

“I hope that now, by giving up such difficult portfolios, the Australian public will be able to see the rest of my character, the side that my family, friends and colleagues see.

“The side my community sees, where they elected me eight times.”