In his first press conference after resigning as home affairs minister, Dutton said it was nice to be able to "smile" and "show a different side" to when he was the minister responsible for border protection.
In the time since, it has been clear that the former police officer now sees his job to build support from the public for the idea of him becoming prime minister by softening his image from the hardline minister responsible for "stopping the boats" and keeping refugees in detention on Manus Island and Nauru.
In an interview with Sky News' Laura Jayes on Tuesday in his office, in front of photos of his three children, Dutton said he would have loved to get people off Manus and Nauru (something that was well within his power) but he couldn't because he didn't want "drownings at sea".
.@PeterDutton_MP: As a backbencher there is an opportunity for me to show a side the public might not know about. MORE: https://t.co/GTIxlh6z4R #auspol https://t.co/Q9atbFJszN
"People see a quick grab on social media, or a meme somewhere...I think the opportunity for me now as a backbencher is to talk to people," he said. "I think I've got a self-deprecating sense of humour, I like a drink like anybody else, and I think it's an opportunity for me to talk about the other side that people maybe do not know."
Dutton has already hit the FM radio stations, home of the image softening, and there is a feature in The Australian explaining Dutton's past.
But some people aren't buying it.
He likes a drink, a laugh, a bit of footy, going to court to prevent critically ill children from getting urgent medical care
Taking legal action to prevent sick children from getting medical attention doesn’t qualify as a self-deprecating sense of humour right? #cuddlydutts #auspol https://t.co/B1XnPWOtvJ
We must not forget that only two days ago @PeterDutton_MP was still refusing help to a dying child. #Auspol #libspill
Some people remember stuff he's done in the past, just for lulz.
An app to to add ", who boycotted the apology to the stolen generation," after every mention of "Peter Dutton" in articles about his "softer side"
Although he is probably capable of some jokes.
Peter Dutton wants you to get to know his softer side. Slap him on the back, share a chuckle. Remember that txt message he sent to journalist Samantha Maiden Calling her a "mad fucking witch" "...we had a good laugh after this." he said. #libspill #auspol https://t.co/te1gArnZfz
People remember those jokes he didn't expect to be made public.
Here's Peter Dutton showing that he CAN enjoy a joke with his mates... https://t.co/J1YVh2ZaSj
#CuddlyDutts is a top bloke with a big heart. Not sure whose chest he ripped it from but it's big. #auspol
Some people are wondering if Dutton can smile at all.
@PeterDutton_MP has been practicing his smile for the cameras @InsidersABC @abcnews @LaTrioli #auspol
Peter Dutton can only smile if he can reach the lever in his back that triggers the mechanical pulley system of hooks and fishing line that he had surgically implanted. Watch him smile next time and prove me wrong.
Peter Dutton keeps going on about his smile. Reminds me of Lily Allen: "At first when I see you cry It makes me smile Yeah, it makes me smile". https://t.co/ADGOG4dcTW
Others are begging the media not to buy into the image softening.
Anybody who does a he's-really-a-good-bloke-oh-look-he-loves-his-kids story about Dutton needs to hand their journalism card and go stand in the corner
ABC 7.30's chief political correspondent Laura Tingle described Dutton's makeover as an attempt to be a "nice smiley man".
On 3AW radio on Wednesday Dutton admitted he was still doing the numbers to mount another leadership challenge against Malcolm Turnbull, so it might be a quicker softening process than expected.
Treasurer Scott Morrison went through his own "image softening" process when he stopped being immigration minister in 2015, which mainly involved wearing lots of purple shirts.