Overview

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton faced off in a live televised debate moderated by David Speers, focusing on housing, migration, and economic policies.
• Albanese defended Labor's $43 billion housing plan, emphasizing increased supply and first home buyer assistance, while Dutton blamed high migration levels for exacerbating the housing crisis and proposed a 25% migration cut.
• Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the ABC studios, chanting slogans critical of both leaders, as heightened security measures were implemented following recent campaign incidents.
• Coalition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie retracted earlier controversial remarks linking China's Xi Jinping to comments about Dutton, adding to intra-party tensions during the campaign.
• The debate highlighted the leaders' contrasting visions for Australia's future, with both addressing voter disillusionment and targeting undecided voters in key marginal seats like Parramatta.