Australian PM Albanese, Rival Dutton Face-Off in First Debate Ahead of May Federal Election

In the pre-election debate, Australian Prime Minister Albanese and Opposition Leader Dutton have argued about US tariffs, healthcare, and inflation.

In their first discussion before the federal election on May 3, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his opponent, Peter Dutton, battled over the cost of living.

Both leaders discussed their plans for Australia’s future during the debate, which was broadcast by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph. They focused especially on the rising cost of living, which has dominated the election conversation. Additionally, Albanese and Dutton were questioned regarding their approaches to handling US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which are a significant source of stress on a global scale.

Opinion surveys predict that Albanese’s Labor Party and Dutton’s Liberal Party will face off in a close contest. The election outcome is becoming more unpredictable due to mounting rumors that either party may have to establish a coalition government with independent MPs or minor parties.

The cost of living was a major topic of discussion during the debate, and according to ABC News, a sizable percentage of the audience raised their hands when asked if they were having financial difficulties. While Albanese emphasized his government’s efforts to solve the problem, pointing out that inflation had been lowered, salaries had increased, and loan rates were starting to decline, Dutton described the response as a “very confronting scene.”

The two contenders also talked about the rising expense of seeing a general practitioner and the potential for a fuel excise tax drop. 

The night’s opening question asked each leader how they would react to Trump’s divisive tariffs. “No country was better prepared than Australia to handle the situation,” Albanese said with confidence. He declared, “Of course, we’ll keep negotiating with the United States in an effort to get a better deal for Australia.” “Since we don’t impose tariffs on US goods, reciprocal tariffs would obviously be zero.”

Dutton, on the other hand, cited his prior experience dealing with the Trump administration to support his claim that the prime minister ought to possess the “strength of character” necessary to confront those he referred to as “bullies” and protect national security.