Defence Minister Peter Dutton says the issue of national security is important at the next election “more so than any in recent history”.

“There is no more important issue than keeping our country safe, keeping our people secure, making sure that we’re making the right decisions,” he told Sky News host Paul Murray.

“If you are passionate about our country, if you are a patriot and you want us to be the most safe and secure country that you can be, then vote for the Liberal National parties on that reason alone.”