Key Talking Points During the 1st Debate Between Albanese and Dutton

Albanese pushed stability and reform; Dutton promised relief and restraint. Cost-of-living battlelines drawn ahead of the May 3 election.

A combination graphic created on March 5, 2025 of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton (R). AAP Image/Mick Tsikas, Lukas Coch

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton faced off in their first leaders’ debate ahead of the May 3 election, reiterating their party plans for cost of living, health, education, energy, immigration and foreign policy.

Albanese opened by citing falling inflation (2.4 percent), steady jobs growth, and rising wages.