Albanese Wins Debate, Dutton Slams Welcome Ceremonies
- admin928749
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
With just six days until the election, Albanese and Peter Dutton faced off on Final Showdown last night, clashing over everything from the cost of living and housing, to Welcome to Country ceremonies and even the price of eggs.
When the dust settled, a jury of 60 undecided voters handed Albanese a commanding win:
50% backed him,
25% sided with Dutton,
and the other 25% were still undecided.
It was a big opportunity for Dutton to close the gap with Albanese ahead in the polls—but with so many Aussies already having voted early, it’s unclear how much impact it will really have.
Things Got Personal
Dutton came out swinging, accusing Albanese of lying and saying he should be “ashamed” of the country’s problems over the last three years.Albanese didn’t hold back either, firing back that he wouldn’t let Dutton "attack the wages of working people."
When voters broke it down category by category:
Albanese smashed Dutton on cost of living (60% to 16%) and tax (49% to 21%).
Housing was a lot closer (35% for Albanese to 30% for Dutton).
Dutton’s strongest moment? Indigenous issues, where he led 46% to 27%.
Opening Shots
Dutton used his opening statement to hammer Labor on the economy, saying Australians are "doing it tough" thanks to the cost-of-living crisis created by the government.Albanese painted the election as a choice between building Australia's future—or "going back to the past," and made a big point about Labor having “clear, decisive policies” while accusing Dutton of flip-flopping.
Cost of Living
Albanese pushed Labor’s record hard, pointing to a drop in inflation and cheaper childcare and medicines.Dutton leaned on his promise to slash the fuel excise, saying it would offer quick relief—kind of like the COVID-era support.There was a funny moment too: when asked about the price of eggs, Dutton lowballed it massively at $4.20 for half a dozen (they’re really over $8). Albanese was closer with $7 — "if you can find them," he joked.
Housing Crisis
Both leaders agreed housing is a massive issue but had different takes:
Dutton blamed surging house prices on migration, accusing Labor of “mismanaging” everything.
Albanese said Labor’s focus was on boosting supply through things like build-to-rent incentives and more social housing.
Tax Debate Turns Nasty
Tax policy wasn’t exactly fresh news—but it led to the fiercest clash of the night.Dutton again accused Albanese of lying, this time over claims the Coalition would scrap same-job, same-pay laws.Albanese fired back, rattling off Labor’s achievements: cheaper childcare, free TAFE, a massive turnaround from a $78 billion deficit to a $22 billion surplus.
Welcome to Country
After controversy over booing at an Anzac Day event, Welcome to Country became a flashpoint.Dutton said it’s "overdone" and should be saved for big occasions, claiming constant ceremonies "cheapen" its meaning and "divide" the country.Albanese disagreed, calling it a respectful acknowledgment of Australia’s Indigenous culture, "the oldest continuous culture on earth."Both leaders condemned the neo-Nazis who disrupted the Anzac Day service, and agreed not to change the date of Australia Day.
Foreign Policy
There was an odd moment when Albanese said he wasn’t sure if Joe Biden even had a mobile phone, when asked about international texting habits.When it came to real issues, Dutton named China’s Communist Party as the biggest threat to Australia.Albanese was more careful, saying the relationship with China was “complex” and stressing the importance of diplomacy.Also, when asked to describe Elon Musk, Dutton called him an "evil genius," while Albanese just said, "Tesla, and a very rich man."
Energy
Energy policy showed a stark difference:
Labor is all in on renewables backed by gas and batteries.
The Coalition wants to go nuclear.
Dutton accused Labor of "wrecking the economy" and blamed them for 30,000 small business closures (which Albanese flat-out rejected, saying more small businesses are operating now than ever before).Albanese pointed out that renewable projects already approved would power 10 million homes.
Meanwhile, Dutton insisted nuclear energy was safe, and used in most G20 countries.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
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