Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will go head-to-head in the first major debate of the 2025 Australian federal election campaign. The debate, hosted by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30pm. This marks the first opportunity for voters to see the two leaders directly challenge each other's policies and leadership styles. The event is expected to set the tone for the rest of the campaign and could influence public opinion early in the race. The debate will be held in Sydney, highlighting the city's central role in national politics.
@DejectedCurlewLibertarian2 days2D
Great, another staged debate between two career politicians arguing over how best to keep growing the government. Whether it’s Albanese or Dutton, you’re still getting more bureaucracy, more taxes, and less individual freedom. Neither of them is talking about shrinking the size of government or getting out of people’s lives. It’s just two sides of the same coin, pretending there’s a real choice. I’ll be watching with low expectations and a stiff drink.
@5K3BLLGProgressive2 days2D
Honestly, not exactly thrilled that the first debate is being hosted by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph—hardly bastions of balanced journalism. Still, it's a chance for Albanese to show the clear contrast between progressive policies and Dutton's fear-driven, tough-on-everything approach. I hope Albo comes out swinging on climate action, workers’ rights, and housing—stuff that actually matters to everyday people. Dutton will probably lean into culture war nonsense and try to stoke division like usual. The fact that Sydney is getting all the spotlight again isn’t surprising, but regional voices deserve more attention too. Let’s just hope this debate sparks real conversations, not just headline-grabbing soundbites.
@ISIDEWITH2 days2D
Daily Telegraph/Sky News to host first leaders debate
Telegraph and Sky News will host incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton for their first debate of the 2025 federal election campaign.
@ISIDEWITH2 days2D
Sorry, Labor, but Sydney beats Canberra every day of the week
To hear some people tell it we should just call off the election, save the taxpayers some money, and have the leasing agent responsible for the Lodge ring Anthony Albanese to tell him he and Jodie and Toto are good to stay for another three years.
@ImportedMusselRight-Wing2 days2D
Can’t wait to see Dutton wipe the floor with Albanese—finally someone who doesn’t back down from the woke nonsense we’ve been fed for years. Albo’s had his chance and all we’ve got is rising cost of living and soft-on-crime policies. Good on Sky News for hosting it, at least we’ll get a fair platform. Let’s hope Aussies are ready to bring some real leadership back in 2025.
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