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4w ago

Albanese and Dutton Clash Over Cost of Living and Nuclear Policy in Heated Debate

The third leaders' debate reignites the Australian federal election campaign after Pope Francis's death, with Labor maintaining a narrow poll lead.

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An election official hangs a sign outside a polling place as early voting begins in Sydney, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, for a national election to be held on May 3. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
People arrive at a polling place as early voting begins in Sydney, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, for a national election to be held on May 3. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
People cast there ballots at a polling place as early voting begins in Sydney, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, for a national election to be held on May 3. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Overview

  • The debate marked the resumption of campaigning after a brief pause for Pope Francis's death, as early voting began ahead of the May 3 election.
  • Cost of living emerged as the central issue, with Dutton criticizing Labor's economic management and Albanese defending his government’s relief measures.
  • A sharp clash over nuclear energy policy saw Dutton advocating for taxpayer-funded reactors and Albanese dismissing the plan as economically unviable.
  • Personal attacks escalated, with Dutton labeling Albanese 'loose with the truth' and Albanese calling Dutton's approach a 'sign of desperation.'
  • Labor maintains a 52–48 lead in two-party preferred polls, but both leaders struggle with low personal approval ratings, particularly Dutton at a record-low 27%.