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Albanese Edges Dutton in First Leaders’ Debate as Election Campaign Intensifies

Audience polling from the Western Sydney forum shows Albanese leading with 44% support, as cost-of-living, nuclear funding, and foreign policy dominate discussions.

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The two major political party leaders faced off for the first time in western Sydney, clashing over energy, Gaza and cost-of-living.
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Overview

  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was declared the winner of the first federal election leaders’ debate, securing 44% audience support compared to Peter Dutton’s 35%, with 21% undecided.
  • The debate, held in Western Sydney with 100 undecided voters, highlighted key policy disputes on cost-of-living measures, healthcare, energy, and migration.
  • Both leaders accused each other of dishonesty, with Albanese criticizing Dutton’s nuclear reactor funding proposals and Dutton questioning Labor's energy bill relief promises.
  • Foreign policy discussions included Albanese advocating for a Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid, while Dutton defended Israel’s actions as justified.
  • The debate reinforced the candidates’ established political positions, with Albanese emphasizing Labor’s economic achievements and Dutton focusing on rising costs under the current government.