The leaders had 60 seconds each to answer the questions.

What have we learned?

Follow how the debate unfolded below.

Who was the winner?

The esteemed panel of Nine journalists have delivered their verdict, and Dutton was proclaimed the winner 2-1. But they did say he was coming off a lower base from previous debate performances.

Leaders deliver their final statements

He said he wants to cut migration to “restore the dream of home ownership”, cut the fuel tax by 0.25 per litre, give a $1,200 tax rebate, bring down inflation and interest and grow the economy.

“This is a time to build Australia’s future, not to cut,” he said.

What are three nice things about each other?

The Opposition leader feels the same way, says he “admires” both Albanese’s son Nathan and partner Jodie Haydon, and acknowledges the PM’s support for AUKUS and getting the Labor caucus to agree to it.

Fact checks on energy plans

(Live fact check: Six G20 countries do not generate any nuclear power. Three of those do not consume it either.)

“If nuclear stacked up, there’d be a few of people saying: ‘we think this is a good idea, we’re prepared to invest our own dollars in it.’ Instead, taxpayers are going to pay for it, and in the Opposition’s own figures [which say it will be cheaper] they assess a 40 per cent smaller economy. That means less jobs, less investment.”

The policies not being talked about

“I don’t believe that our economy, that our budget, can afford to do that at the moment.”

Is the government spending too much?

“He needs to come up with where the cuts will be, because on top of everything else, there’s no plan for how they pay for their nuclear reactor plan, which will cost hundreds of billions of dollars.”

Liberal plans to make budget cuts

“PM let me tell you, you are loose,” Dutton retorts.

Leaders asked about their public image

“I hope what it says to people is that I’m absolutely determined and passionate about getting the best possible position to keeping us safe, to keeping the economy running well,” he said.

“You don’t get to be prime minister and to lead the Labor Party without a toughness.”

‘What makes you think you have the temperament’?

This is in response to Dutton’s assertion last week that Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto had “confirmed” a report that Russia was seeking access to a military base in Indonesia — a point the Opposition leader eventually conceded was a “mistake.”

“This is the last time we’d want to take a risk. Peter spoke about his long experience, and that’s true, but that’s the problem. Every Pacific leader remembers him joking about water lapping at their doors.”

Petrol bowser pressure

Dutton doesn’t think so saying it would help cut costs across the economy.

Focus turns to housing

“And the third is our Help to Buy scheme… which is a shared equity scheme.”

Last year, Treasury costed the impact of removing negative gearing, which the prime minister said at the time he would not pursue unless there was “compelling evidence” it would increase supply. “That is not the case.”

‘Do you feel better off now?’

“We have provided cost of living relief, whether it be cheaper childcare, free TAFE for 600,000 people, energy bill relief, and importantly as well, tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer.”

PM still can’t get a call with Trump

The leaders’ biggest clash

He says the Coalition’s citing of Medicare bulk billing being in free fall is a misrepresentation — claiming the numbers had been distorted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘There’s never been more undecided voters’

“But what we have managed to do is in very difficult global times — with the biggest inflation shock since the 1980s and the biggest energy crisis since the 1970s — is get inflation down to 2.4 per cent, make sure we deliver cost of living relief that have made a difference to families on average of $7,200, whilst making sure that we put in place reforms that help build the future, with better schools funding, strengthening Medicare, and cheaper childcare.”

Opening statements from the leaders

Anthony Albanese has instead taken a positive spin: “Labor’s plan is to build Australia’s future and to build your family’s future”.

Around 200,000 Australians have already voted

By midday, the Australian Electoral Commission reported 230,000 Australians had already cast their vote — with 50 per cent of Australians expected to vote before May 3, which makes every moment of campaign time between now and then critical.

New poll shows Labor increasing its lead

There was also a slight decline in support for other parties, down 0.5 per cent — to 3.5 per cent — with many minor parties running in only a handful of seats.

Campaigning paused as the world mourns death of pope

Dutton, who attended a service at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral, added: “I don’t think it’s a day for overt politicking at all, I think the day is best spent reflecting”.

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