Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have hurled insults at each another as the third leaders debate became personal.
The pair faced off on Tuesday night in Channel Nine’s ‘The Great Debate – Election 2025’, moderated by A Current Affair host Ally Langdon.
The Opposition Leader and Mr Albanese fielded questions from a panel of commentators, which included Nine political editor Charles Croucher, 2GB host Deb Knight and the Australian Financial Review journalist Phil Coorey.
The debate covered housing and the pair’s leadership qualities early on before a war of words erupted over the Coalition’s past record on education and health.
It didn’t take long for Mr Albanese to accuse previous Coalition governments of ripping billions in funding from both departments.
‘You had the allocation that had been previously put in the budget prior to you coming to office,’ Mr Albanese said.
‘You ripped $80billion out of those two items in 2014.’
Mr Dutton abruptly interrupted to take a shot at the Prime Minister.
A tense exchange brought Tuesday night’s debate to a standstill after the PM (right) grilled the Coalition leader (left) on their previous management of the federal health department
‘Prime Minister, you couldn’t lie straight in bed,’ Mr Dutton told the Prime Minister (right)
‘Prime Minister, you couldn’t lie straight in bed,’ Mr Dutton said.
‘Honestly this is unbelievable.’
‘You can go to abuse,’ Mr Albanese responded.
‘Well it’s just the reality,’ Mr Dutton shot back.
‘You can go to personal abuse, that’s a sign of desperation, Peter, frankly,’ the PM said.
‘As is lying,’ Mr Dutton retorted.
‘That’s a sign of desperation. Go to the 2014 budget papers. People can do that online. It’s available for all to see,’ Mr Albanese continued.
Langdon was forced to intervene, noting she had given both men a ‘fair bit of latitude’.
‘…Personal abuse, that’s a sign of desperation, Peter, frankly,’ the Prime Minister said
After all the mud-slinging, Langdon asked each leader at the end of the debate to describe three nice things about each other.
The number prompted laughter, with Mr Albanese joking: ‘I only ever prepare for one.’
The PM said his rival ‘bats way above his average’ with his wife Kirilly. He also praised his ‘terrific family and his longevity in politics.
Meanwhile, Mr Dutton praised the PM’s son Nathan, who he described as a ‘great young bloke’ and his fiancée, Jodie.
The two leaders will face off again for the fourth and final debate to be hosted by Channel Seven this Sunday night.
It will be the last chance for the leaders to persuade undecided voters before they head to the polls on May 3.
Peter DuttonAnthony Albanese
