In what was described as the fiercest yet friendliest of the federal election debates so far, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton narrowly claimed victory over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the third leaders’ face-off, hosted by Nine’s The Great Debate.
A panel of three political experts delivered a split 2–1 verdict in Dutton’s favour, highlighting his clearer messaging on everyday Australians’ economic challenges.
The showdown, held just days after both leaders paused campaigning in respect for the late Pope Francis, covered a broad spectrum of issues, including Medicare funding, nuclear energy, tax policy, social media regulation, and how Australia should engage with U.S. President Donald Trump.
A tight decision, but a win for Dutton: Nine’s political editor Charles Croucher called the night Dutton’s “best debate yet,” awarding him the win “by a nose.” Radio host Deborah Knight also backed Dutton but admitted both leaders presented strongly and revealed “genuine moments of humanity.” However, Australian Financial Review political editor Phil Coorey gave the slight edge to Albanese, arguing that Dutton’s early aggression might have reinforced negative perceptions among undecided voters.
Heated exchanges on Medicare and budget honesty: The tone of the debate was set early when Albanese accused the Coalition of slashing $80 billion from health and education during the 2014 budget.
Dutton fired back: “Prime Minister, you couldn’t lie straight in bed.”
The back-and-forth quickly escalated, prompting moderator Ally Langdon to intervene and urge both leaders to address voters’ concerns over national debt and fiscal credibility.
An AAP FactCheck later noted that while the 2014 budget proposed cuts to hospital and education spending, many of those reductions were either rolled back or never implemented in full.
Clash over nuclear energy and the cost of living: Dutton strongly defended the Coalition’s push for nuclear energy, arguing that Australian households are paying triple the electricity costs of nuclear-powered countries.
“If solar and wind are so free, why are our bills up $1,300 instead of down $275 as promised?”
he asked.
Albanese responded that nuclear proposals lack investor and state support, describing it as a “friendless policy.” He reiterated Labor’s commitment to a renewables-led plan backed by gas, hydro, and battery storage, endorsed by the Australian Energy Market Operator.
Foreign policy and the Trump dilemma: When pressed about dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump, Dutton positioned himself as the experienced hand, citing his time in Cabinet during both the Obama and Trump administrations. He criticised Albanese for failing to build a direct channel with Washington: “He can’t even get a phone call.”
Albanese dismissed the idea that Dutton could secure tariff exemptions where major allies had failed, calling it “complete nonsense.”
Common ground—briefly: In a rare moment of bipartisanship, both leaders agreed on the need to regulate social media use among young Australians and ensure tech giants pay for news content.
“We’re on a unity ticket,” said Dutton, referencing bipartisan support for news bargaining frameworks.
Albanese echoed the sentiment, calling the under-16 social media ban “world leading.”
Closing pitches reveal campaign contrasts: In his closing statement, Albanese positioned himself as a builder:
“This is a time for strengthening Medicare, building schools, and creating serious relationships with the world.”
Dutton struck a contrasting tone, promising “to cut migration, halve fuel tax, and return $1,200 through income tax relief.” He framed the election as a choice between “strength of character and leadership that can guide Australia through uncertain times.”
Verdict: Momentum shift?
With just under two weeks until the election, Dutton’s narrow debate win could mark a turning point for the Coalition’s campaign, which has focused heavily on cost-of-living pressures and national security. While Albanese held his ground with a steady and polished performance, it was Dutton’s punchier, policy-driven delivery that resonated more with the Nine panel—if only by a fraction.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, both leaders are now expected to sharpen their messages in the lead-up to the final leaders’ debate. The battle for undecided voters is far from over.
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