How does his image differ from that of other politicians,
ttbn,
It isn't & that's what doesn't give the masses the willingness to give him the edge in the sadly but true, popularity stakes.
I think he's probably the most competent & sober thinking of them all however, he needs to turn up the enthusiasm as he comes across rather lacklustre in his speeches. As sad a fact as it is but in politics image/expression is as vital as appealing policies. A bit of light-heartedness & a smile would do wonders !

What is Dutton’s "image problem"? What is his image?

For starters he's the most boring and plain person you could come across, completely lacking of any personality or 'down to earth' qualities whatsoever.

Indyvidual and AC

Are you looking for 'charisma'? We've seen where that leads in other parts of the world. We don't do charisma in Australia. Some of the less able with the English language branded Bob Hawke as charismatic, which he was not, fortunately; it was what he did that counted.

The very last thing that concerns me about our politicians is their 'image'. My concern about Dutton is not his appearance, nor his inability to smile; my concern is that he isn't saying anything that makes him a hope for a return to the right of centre, where the Liberal Party is supposed to be. He was too late saying NO. He is leaving underlings to speak against Albanese's totalitarian, anti-free speech Bill. He should be put back where he could be useful - defence shadow, because shadow he is.

"my concern is that he isn't saying anything that makes him a hope for a return to the right of centre, where the Liberal Party is supposed to be."

Where do we see him speaking out on any of those issues that might matter to the right.
There's just no personality, no character, nothing that anyone can relate to.
Dutton was completely absent till the voice came along.
If it wasn't for Albo bringing the referendum, he'd still be in hiding.

- He doesn't speak out on anything, just merely responds to things that have already happened.

Albo must be thanking his lucky stars that his adversary is a boring absent fool.
If Dutton had any grit whatsoever Albo wouldn't have had a chance of having such an easy ride.

And quite honestly, right now 'I'm none of the above'.

The biggest issue in my opinion is unrestricted immigration, related housing shortages and cost of living problems.

We need to cut immigration for a while until the housing supply situation improves, do something about the high cost of energy and our nations competitiveness.

Both parties have lost touch with the hopes and dreams of the good old Aussie battlers, we're living on this huge continent and many young people don't believe they will ever afford a home.

The country has lost it's way, dictated to by woke inner city latte sipping citizens and their privileged know-it-all university kids studying gender and becoming 'activists' who have little in common with the rest of the country.

Are you looking for 'charisma'?
ttbn,
Some of it is necessary in winning over people who rely on others to think for them. What worries me about Dutton that the Nation will end up with someone less competent if he doesn't make an effort to present himself as a man of the people. He was a police officer so, why not use the experiences to address youth crime etc. He should speak about long-term projects such as the Bradfield scheme & a Gap year national Service for the unemployed, speak on apprenticeships rather than the boring old & useless 'everyone should have the right to UNI. he needs to bring up discussion on economic recovery in Country Australia. Rail links, dams etc.
Real projects that offer careers of use to society rather than the boring bleating about Education. If we want to improve education make the teachers pull out their fingers !
Dutton needs to address the people who create revenue & not the ones depleting it at every turn !

Somewhere along the way it became much easier to go to uni and have the government (and the working class citizens) pay for it, leaving a HECS debt; instead of getting an apprenticeship.

No wonder the country went down the toilet.