Federal election 2025 debate recap: Albanese, Dutton's strongest and weakest moment in battle for votes

The first question from the audience for Dutton and Albanese is, unsurprisingly, around Donald Trump. How will they cope with the “Trump pandemic” we’re going through now?

Albanese says President Trump imposed an “act of economic self-harm” and that Australia will continue to negotiate with the United States.

“We’ll continue to negotiate, of course, with the United States, looking for a better deal for Australia,” he says.

The PM reiterates that reciprocal tariffs would be damaging.

Peter Dutton starts his opening statement, with a direct negative pitch to the 100 voters from Western Sydney in the room: “I think your stories tonight will reflect the realities and the stories of millions of Australians.

“It has been a tough year, a tough three years, in fact, for Australians.

“People have gone backwards, because when you go to the supermarket now, you’re now paying 30 per cent more for groceries, paying about 32 per cent more for your electricity.”

The Prime Minister is speaking first after winning the coin toss. Albanese is talking about the state of the economy and says what matters most is how governments respond.

He spruiks how inflation is up, wages are down and unemployment is lower under a Labor Government.

“What this election is about is what happens next,” he says.

“Now is not the time to cut now is not the time to look backwards. Now is the time to look forwards and seize the opportunities and build Australia’s future.”

The first debate of the Federal election is now underway.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is up first.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have arrived at the Sky News People’s Forum in Western Sydney.

Both have greeted people on their arrival, as attendees filter into a large room at the Wenty Leagues in Wentworthville.

The Leaders’ Debate will officially go ahead, despite Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s father being rushed to hospital with a heart attack.

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton both have some of their colleagues in the room supporting them.

From Labor, Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles is here with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton.

From the Coalition, shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, shadow home affairs minister James Paterson, shadow Western Sydney minister Melissa MacIntosh, and NSW senator Maria Kovacic are here.

It has been confirmed that Peter Dutton’s father, Bruce, has suffered a heart attack.

The Opposition Leader was informed about the medical incident just minutes before the debate was set to kick off.

Mr Dutton’s father has been taken to hospital and is currently in a serious condition.

In a video to social media, Dutton say he wants to use the debate to outline the Liberal plan to get Australia “back on track”.

“This is a really important debate, and a really important election for our country,” he said from the green room of the debate site.

“There is a lot of economic uncertainty and a lot of families who have been really hurt under this government.”

Anthony Albanese goes into this debate ahead in the polls, but the Prime Minister has a reputation for struggling to communicate his point effectively.

Given so many Australians are still feeling the cost-of-living crunch so acutely, he will need to be considered and measured in how he responds to questions about this.

He needs to convince voters that they’ve got it good under Labor, and should trust him and his team for another three years.

Expect to hear a lot about how Labor has strengthened Medicare, passed significant aged care and child care reforms, and improved pay and conditions for workers.

However, news of Peter Dutton’s father suffering a medical emergency in the hour ahead of the debate could have a serious impact on both leaders.