Albanese and Dutton Face Off in First Leaders’ Debate
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton clashed in their first Sky News leaders’ debate ahead of the upcoming federal election. The event, held in front of 100 undecided voters in Western Sydney, covered key issues such as cost of living, Medicare, energy policy, and migration.
While the debate remained polite, both leaders accused each other of dishonesty. The audience ultimately gave Albanese the win with 44 per cent of the vote, compared to 35 per cent for Dutton, while 21 per cent remained undecided.
Albanese and Dutton during the debate [News Limited: Jason Edwards]
Leaders Accuse Each Other of Falsehoods
From the start, both leaders accused each other of misleading statements. Albanese attacked the former Coalition government for cutting funding to healthcare and education.
Dutton immediately responded:
“That is not a factually correct statement. It is misleading. It is dishonest from a man who wants to be re-elected as prime minister.”
Albanese fired back when Dutton claimed his government was “the biggest spender in 40 years”, saying:
“That is not true.”
The accusations of lying set the tone for the debate, as both men attempted to position themselves as the more trustworthy leader.
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Medicare Sparks Heated Exchange
Medicare became a major flashpoint in the debate. Albanese pulled out a Medicare card, stating that under his government, more Australians were able to access bulk billing.
Dutton dismissed the claim, turning to the audience member who asked about healthcare costs and asking:From the start, both leaders accused each other of misleading statements. Albanese attacked the former Coalition government for cutting funding to healthcare and education.
Dutton immediately responded:
“That is not a factually correct statement. It is misleading. It is dishonest from a man who wants to be re-elected as prime minister.”
Albanese fired back when Dutton claimed his government was “the biggest spender in 40 years”, saying:
“That is not true.”
The accusations of lying set the tone for the debate, as both men attempted to position themselves as the more trustworthy leader.
“Do you have to use just your Medicare card, or do you have to use your credit card as well?”
The audience member confirmed she usually pays a $70-$80 gap fee, reinforcing Dutton’s argument that bulk billing rates had fallen under Labor.
Albanese countered by reminding voters that Dutton was health minister when the Coalition attempted to introduce a Medicare co-payment.
“The only gas policy that the Coalition has is the gaslighting of the Australian public.”
Cost of Living and Energy Policy Take Centre Stage
Dutton focused on rising living costs, highlighting Labor’s broken promise to reduce power bills by $275 per year. He pledged to cut fuel excise by 25 cents per litre if elected.
“I will provide support to Australians from that first day of government,” he declared.
Albanese defended his economic policies, pointing to record tax cuts that benefit low- and middle-income Australians. He also questioned the Coalition’s nuclear power plan, warning it could lead to cuts in public services to fund the $600 billion policy.
Dutton attempted to clarify the cost, stating:
“The nuclear policy will cost $331 billion, and Labor’s plan will cost $264 billion more.”
Migration Policy Sparks Debate
Dutton faced tough questions on his plan to reduce migration, with one audience member questioning how he could discuss the issue “without demonising migrants.”
Dutton defended his stance, stating:
“We are a greater country because of our migrant story. But bringing in a population bigger than Adelaide in five years without infrastructure will have an impact.”
Albanese reminded voters that Labor had already implemented a two-year ban on foreign citizens buying homes to ease pressure on housing.
Who Won the Debate?
The Sky News debate ended with the audience declaring Albanese the winner. However, both leaders had strong moments.
Winners by key topics:
✅ Cost of Living – Dutton (fuel excise promise resonated)
✅ Energy Policy – Dutton (highlighted rising power bills)
✅ Medicare – Dutton (exposed bulk billing gaps)
✅ Migration – Albanese (handled questions sensitively)
With the election fast approaching, the next leaders’ debate on ABC next Wednesday will be another key moment in the race.
