Western Sydney, April 8 — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emerged as the winner of the first federal election leaders’ debate, narrowly defeating Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in a fiery exchange that saw both men pressed hard by 100 undecided voters on critical national issues.
Held at the Sky News / Daily Telegraph People’s Forum in Sydney’s west, the debate tackled cost-of-living pressures, immigration, housing, energy, and the war in Gaza. Mr Albanese received the support of 44 audience members, compared to Mr Dutton’s 35. Notably, 21 voters left still undecided — a sign of the tight and unpredictable election battle ahead.
IMMIGRATION TENSIONS FLARE
A standout moment came when a voter named Jason accused Mr Dutton of damaging Australia’s global reputation with his immigration stance. Jason voiced concern that proposed restrictions on international students would undermine Australian universities and hurt the country’s brand as a welcoming nation. Mr Dutton defended the policy, arguing it was necessary to alleviate the housing crisis and protect resources for domestic students.
Prime Minister Albanese countered by highlighting that his government had already proposed student number caps — rejected by the Coalition and Greens — and noted the government’s $33 billion Homes for Australia initiative, which includes 28,000 social housing units currently in planning or under construction.
DUTTON STRIKES ON ECONOMY, ALBO HITS BACK
Mr Dutton used his closing pitch to accuse Labor of economic mismanagement and warned of an impending recession driven by global instability and local policy failures. He promised stronger fiscal stewardship under a Coalition government and criticised Labor’s proposed tax cuts as financially irresponsible.
Albanese, in turn, framed the Coalition’s promises as dishonest and warned of inevitable cuts under their $600 billion nuclear energy plan. “They said there’d be no cuts in 2013. They lied then. What will they cut this time?” he asked, painting the election as a choice between progress and regression.
WORK-FROM-HOME CONTROVERSY
Work-from-home policies became a hot topic, with Mr Dutton facing backlash for the Coalition’s recent backflip on Australian Public Service (APS) reforms. He insisted the changes would only apply to Canberra-based staff, calling criticism of the plan a “lie.” Mr Albanese accused him of lacking clarity and standing behind a policy that impacts modern family life.
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP AND HOUSING
Mr Dutton also proposed a bipartisan two-year moratorium on foreign investment in residential property and agricultural land, responding to fears from voters like Janine, 74, who expressed concern about the future of her grandchildren.
Mr Albanese warned against blocking projects entirely, explaining how certain pre-sales to overseas buyers help finance new housing developments, ultimately adding stock to the market.
ENERGY: GAS, NUCLEAR, AND ZINGERS
The leaders clashed over energy policy, with Mr Dutton claiming the Coalition’s nuclear plan is 44% cheaper than Labor’s renewables strategy. Mr Albanese dismissed the figures and quipped, “The only gas policy the Coalition has is the gaslighting of the Australian public,” prompting laughs from the room.
FUEL EXCISE AND COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES
Pressed by a Sydney truck driver on fuel prices, Mr Albanese declined to commit to matching Mr Dutton’s pledge to halve the fuel excise. He labelled the plan a short-term fix and touted Labor’s strategy of targeted cost-of-living relief that suppresses inflation. Mr Dutton defended the temporary nature of his proposal, comparing it to COVID-era supports.
UNITY ON MIDDLE EAST, MIGRATION DIALOGUE
Both leaders expressed shared concern for peace in the Middle East and denied Australia was funding any weapons in Gaza. Mr Dutton condemned Hamas’ October 7 attacks, while Mr Albanese reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.
Dutton also faced pointed questions on maintaining respectful migration discourse, committing to more “managed” immigration while defending Australia’s multicultural legacy.
EDUCATION AND TRUST
Education became a flashpoint, with Mr Albanese pledging full Gonski funding and early literacy testing. He accused the Coalition of ripping $30 billion from public schools, which Mr D
