Albanese accuses Coalition of ‘gaslighting’ public over energy as Dutton touts economic credentials in first leaders’ debate
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Albanese and Dutton Clash in First Election Debate
Above: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton face off in a debate in Sydney, on April 8, 2025. Image copyright: Jason Edwards/Pool/Getty Images
The Spin
Australian Labor Party narrative
Prime Minister Albanese handled himself capably in his debate against Peter Dutton. He held the opposition leader to account for his deceit over the Coalition’s energy policy, as well as the fantasy of the Coalition’s nuclear policy. As evidenced by Sky’s poll, the public clearly agrees that the prime minister won the debate.
Liberal/National Coalition narrative
After a tough start to the campaign, Peter Dutton—in the first leadership debate of his career—put in a solid performance against the prime minister. Dutton called Albanese out for his falsehoods over “Coalition cuts” and, despite being in Labor territory, won over a significant proportionate of the audience.