As the final leaders' debate nears, here's how Albanese and Dutton have fared so far

Australia Broadcast Center

26-04-2025

On the last weekend before the election, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton will face-off for the final leaders' debate on
Sunday, April 27
.
The pair will be back at it for the fourth debate in this election campaign.
Here's what you need to know.
What channel is the final leaders' debate on?
It will be hosted by
7News.
7News have called it The Final Showdown Leaders' Debate.
How do I watch the final debate?
It will be
broadcast on Seven's free-to-air channel
as well as on its
catch-up service 7plus
.
Viewers can also watch it on
ABC News will be
live blogging
the debate on
When does the final debate start?
ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria:
8pm AEST
Northern Territory and South Australia:
7:30pm ACST
Western Australia:
6pm AWST
How will the debate work?
The debate will be
moderated by 7News's political editor Mark Riley
and
hosted by Sunrise's Natalie Barr
.
Immediately after the debate,
Michael Usher will anchor 7NEWS Spotlight
where he will discuss the final verdict and analyse key issues.
Five key takeaways from the first debate
The first debate was hosted by Sky News on Tuesday, April 8.
Peter Dutton said he walked back on the WFH policy because of a Labor scare-campaign.
(
AAP: Jason Edwards
)
1. Albanese declared debate winner:
Sky declared Mr Albanese the winner of the first leaders' debate.
2. Dutton walks back WFH policy:
Mr Dutton said a Labor scare-campaign resulted in the policy being junked.
3. Albanese refuses to match the Coalition's 50 per cent fuel excise:
Mr Albanese said the opposition's policy was only a temporary measure lasting for 12 months and pointed to Labor's broader cost-of-living relief measures.
4. Medicare and GP costs in focus:
Mr Albanese highlighted increased bulk-billing incentives under Labor, while Dutton criticised declining bulk-billing rates and the rising out-of-pocket costs for GP visits.
5. Nuclear v renewable energy clash:
Mr Dutton argued the $331 billion proposal would be more cost-effective in the long run than Labor's renewable energy strategy.
Here's where you can read
Five key takeaways from the second debate
The second debate was hosted by ABC on Wednesday, April 16.
Anthony Albanese avoided making firm promises on future power price cuts after Labor failed to deliver on its 2022 pledge of a $275 reduction.
(
ABC News: Matt Roberts
)
1. Dutton admits mistake:
Mr Dutton admitted to incorrectly attributing a statement about Russian aircraft in Papua to the Indonesian president.
2. Labor dodges power price cuts:
Mr Albanese avoided making firm promises on future power price cuts after Labor failed to deliver on its 2022 pledge of a $275 reduction.
3. Trump continues to loom over election:
Mr Dutton took aim at Mr Albanese for not meeting with US President Donald Trump to seek a US tariff exemption, arguing stronger ties might have helped.
4. Leaders trade blows over climate and energy:
When asked about climate change, Mr Dutton said he's "not a scientist" which prompted Mr Albanese to defend renewables. The pair also clashed over nuclear energy.
5. United over failures to Close the Gap, divided on how to proceed:
Both leaders acknowledged failures in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, but were divided in how to proceed.
Here's where you can read
Five key takeaways from the third debate
The third debate was hosted by Channel Nine on Tuesday, April 22.
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton promised they would not make changes to either negative gearing or the capital gains tax discount if elected.
(
Supplied: Nine/James Brickwood
)
1. Dutton declared debate winner:
A panel of Nine journalists declared Mr Dutton the winner of the third leaders' debate.
2. No changes to negative gearing:
Both leaders promised they would not make changes to either negative gearing or the capital gains tax discount if elected.
3. 'Loose' versus 'weak' on the world stage:
Mr Albanese said Mr Dutton was "loose" in his response to world events, while, Mr Dutton said Mr Albanese was "a weak leader" unable to advocate for Australia.
4. No change to nuclear debate after election:
Both leaders have both vowed to stick to their stances on nuclear power regardless of the election result.
5. Dutton defers debt reduction plan to after the election
Mr Dutton said he would outline his full plans to reduce federal government debt after the election, prompting Mr Albanese to accuse him of planning secret cuts.
Here's where you can read
When is the federal election?
The federal election will be held on Saturday, May 3 but early voting has already commenced.
Here's where you can