Senior government minister Peter Dutton admits a loss in Saturday’s Bennelong by-election would put Bill Shorten “one step closer to the lodge”.

In his final weekly chat with Ray Hadley for 2017, the Immigration Minister admits there’s no guarantee Liberal incumbent John Alexander will retain the seat.

“I think it’s fair to say though it is very tight. I think we can win… I think John Alexander’s done a great job there.

“He’s just a very decent, honourable and honest man and I think that puts him in stark contrast to both Kristina Keneally and Bill Shorten for that matter.

“I hope he can get over the line and, you know, if he doesn’t Bill Shorten’s one step closer to the lodge.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview

Mr Dutton brought with him a little Christmas gift for Ray and his team… a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.