In the second televised showdown of the 2025 federal election campaign, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton faced off against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a heated debate that saw the prime minister on the defensive across a wide range of issues — from energy prices to foreign policy and housing affordability.
Held at the ABC’s studios in Western Sydney and moderated by David Speers, the encounter revealed a government struggling to hold its ground and a Coalition leader poised to capitalise on voter fatigue with Labor’s excuses and underwhelming delivery.
While no official winner was declared by the audience poll this time, the impression left on viewers was clear: Peter Dutton came ready to fight, which could mark the beginning of a serious political comeback.
Albanese ducks power price accountability: At the heart of cost-of-living pressures is energy, and PM Albanese once again refused to commit to any timeline on his party’s long-standing — and now discredited — 2022 promise to reduce power bills by $275. When pressed, he pivoted to generic claims about renewables being “the cheapest form of power”, offering no direct relief to struggling households now burdened by soaring bills.
His refusal to give a straight answer on energy costs has become emblematic of a broader issue: a prime minister who made big promises but seems unwilling or unable to account for them.
Dutton, in contrast, reminded voters of Labor’s broken energy pledge and highlighted the Coalition’s plan to introduce nuclear power into the mix — a controversial but increasingly popular idea as energy reliability falters and prices climb.
Foreign affairs fumble reveals Albanese’s weakness; Perhaps the starkest contrast came during discussion of Australia’s position in the region, particularly on the topic of reported Russian military interest in Indonesia. While Dutton conceded an earlier misstatement — a rare but refreshing moment of accountability — he quickly pivoted to pressing concerns over Australia’s deteriorating influence under Albanese.
Albanese’s response was vague and bureaucratic, dodging tough questions and offering little reassurance that his government was in control of international security challenges.
On the matter of President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, the prime minister once again relied on process-driven platitudes, refusing to commit to negotiating harder on behalf of Australian exporters. Dutton’s retort was sharp: under the Coalition, Australia had ambassadors who could “get on the phone” — a not-so-subtle jab at Labor’s lack of access and sway with key allies.
Climate doublespeak and Voice distraction: When climate policy came into focus, Albanese once again positioned himself as the science-backed leader — but it rang hollow. Despite claiming credibility through science, his government has yet to present a coherent or affordable transition strategy. Dutton, though mocked for admitting he’s “not a scientist,” managed to land a punch by pointing out the impracticality of Labor’s energy approach and highlighting the Coalition’s gas-backed nuclear vision.
On Indigenous affairs, Albanese remained wedded to the ghost of the failed Voice referendum, listing nationwide programs not specifically targeted to First Nations people while evading the question of why Labor’s model failed to resonate.
Dutton echoed bipartisan disappointment but shifted focus to practical reform, including a potential overhaul of how Indigenous programs are funded and evaluated — a direct appeal to voters who felt the Voice debate lacked clarity and accountability.
Housing hypocrisy and evasive economics: In perhaps the most telling segment of the night, both leaders were challenged on why negative gearing and capital gains tax — the third rail of housing reform — remain untouched despite affordability reaching crisis levels.
Albanese, despite Treasury modelling reforms, denied any responsibility or intent to act. Dutton backed the status quo too, but with one key distinction: he turned the moment into a referendum on Albanese’s credibility, accusing him of having “a problem with the truth.”
For a prime minister who campaigned on transparency and transformation, the charge hit hard.
Analysis: Is this Dutton’s comeback moment?
While Peter Dutton entered this election with a deficit in popularity and public warmth, his performance on Wednesday night suggests a shift is underway. Calm under pressure, apologetic when necessary, and clear on criticisms — Dutton looked like a leader preparing to take the keys to The Lodge.
Albanese, on the other hand, appeared weighed down by the record he must now defend. Repeatedly dodging questions, failing to provide specifics, and resting on slogans from campaigns past, he risks looking like a leader who’s run out of steam just halfway through his term.
With two more debates to go and polling day on May 3 fast approaching, this clash could be remembered as the night momentum began to swing — not just for the Coalition, but for Peter Dutton’s long-awaited political resurgence.
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