What we learned from the final leaders' debate
There we have it, folks – we’ve made it to the end of the final leaders’ debate of the 2025 federal election campaign. Here were all the key takeaways, as Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton went head-to-head on television for the last time:
Anthony Albanese won the final leaders’ debate with 50% of the vote from a group of 60 undecided voters – 25% voted for Peter Dutton, and 25% remained undecided.
Dutton argued that welcome to country ceremonies are “overdone” when asked about the booing that occurred at Anzac Day dawn services.
Albanese said the ceremonies were a “matter of respect” and it was up to event organisers to decide whether or not they should take place.
Both leaders said the date of Australia Day should not change.
Albanese received an overwhelming win when it came to the cost of living at 65% of votes from the panel, while Dutton received 16% and 19% were undecided.
The PM talked up Labor’s tax cut, cheaper medicines policy, energy bill relief, cheaper childcare and free Tafe, and argued that what the Coalition is offering is “all temporary”.
Dutton argued the Coalition were the better economic managers and that it would “take us time to clean up Labor’s mess,” continually pointing to the Coalition’s fuel excise.
On housing, the PM was given 35% of the vote, Dutton 30% and 35% were undecided.
The opposition leader said the Australian housing dream “looks like a nightmare” for young people today, continuing to blame migration. Albanese said the housing crisis was decades in the making, and that Labor was focused on supply.
Dutton won over a majority of the undecided voters on defence at 43%, while Albanese got 35% and 20% were undecided.
The opposition leader said China was the biggest threat to security in Australia, while the PM said China “seeks to increase its influence in the region”.
In a quick-fire round, the leaders were quizzed on the price of a carton of a dozen eggs. Dutton said $4.20 and Albanese said $7 “if you can find them”. The answer was about $8 or $8.50.
Read more here:
Krishani Dhanji will be back with you bright and early tomorrow morning, as the election campaign enters its final week. In the meantime, take care and enjoy your evening.
Updated
Albanese declared winner of the debate
The winner of the debate has been revealed as Anthony Albanese on 50%, as decided by 60 undecided voters.
Peter Dutton picked up 25% of the vote, and 25% remained undecided.
Updated
