In the final leaders’ debate ahead of the May 3 election, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled China as the biggest threat to Australia’s national security. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese avoided directly agreeing, instead describing the relationship as “complex” and China as “seeking to increase its influence.”
“I’m the prime minister of a country, and how you deal as prime minister is diplomatically and that is what we continue to do,” Albanese said when pressed further.
The hour-long debate, hosted by the Seven Network, covered national security, the economy, housing, and even the cost of eggs. A panel of 60 undecided voters awarded the debate to Albanese.
"I won't let him get away with this nonsense on economic management." Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have clashed on their handling of Australia's economy during The Final Showdown. Catch up on 7plus. #finalshowdown #leadersdebate #auspol #ausvotes #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/mdxAQ4VoIT
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) April 27, 2025
Both leaders expressed trust in US President Donald Trump when asked if Australia could rely on him. Dutton, who had previously said he hadn’t met Trump and couldn’t judge, said on Sunday: “We can trust whoever is in the Oval Office.”
Albanese added he began his relationship with Trump with “100 per cent trust” but admitted they “held different views on trade.”
When asked if he had Trump’s phone number, Albanese said the two texted but added, “I’m not sure [Trump] has a phone,” later clarifying that global leaders don’t typically communicate casually by phone.
Dutton also questioned the frequency of Welcome to Country ceremonies, suggesting they are “overdone” and risk “cheapening the significance” of the tradition. “It divides the country, not dissimilar to what the prime minister did with the Voice,” he said.
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton on the cost of living. Watch The Final Showdown live on Channel 7, 7plus and https://t.co/b3nAU1J7dw #finalshowdown #leadersdebate #auspol #ausvotes #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/qqskKJK7JY
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) April 27, 2025
Albanese defended the ceremonies as a “matter of respect,” adding that it was up to individual event hosts to include them. “We have a great privilege… of sharing this continent with the oldest continuous culture on earth,” he said.
On housing, both leaders acknowledged the difficulty facing first-time buyers. “It looks like a nightmare,” Dutton said, blaming Labor and high migration. Albanese cited supply as the key issue and ruled out reintroducing changes to negative gearing.
In a quick-fire round, Dutton guessed a dozen eggs cost $4.20, while Albanese said $7 “if you can find them.” When shown a photo of Elon Musk, Albanese responded, “Tesla and a very rich man,” while Dutton called him an “evil genius.”
The debate ended in a clash over whether Coalition policies mirror Trump’s agenda, with Dutton asserting, “I haven’t sought to be anybody other than myself,” citing former PM John Howard as his mentor.
Source: ABC.
