Thanks for joining us for tonight's live coverage of the leaders' debate. We'll be back tomorrow with all the latest election campaign coverage.
Day 19 of the election campaign: Shorten scores a win in debate
Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten have squared off in the first nationally-televised debate of the federal election campaign during which the leaders stumbled on preference deals, franking credits and electric cars.
Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten have squared off in the first nationally-televised debate of the federal election campaign during which the leaders stumbled on preference deals, franking credits and electric cars.
The majority of the audience backed Mr Shorten but the Opposition Leader will be vulnerable to Coalition attacks after two serious policy slips ups on tax changes and environmental policies.
Of the 48 voters, 25 said Mr Shorten had won them over, 12 said they preferred Mr Morrison while 11 were undecided.
READ OUR EARLIER LIVE COVERAGE BELOW
Updates
That's a wrap
Highs and lows of debate revealed
From the best quotes to the knockout blows, News Corp Australia’s political journalists have their says on the highs and lows of the leaders’ debate
Leaders fall flat in style stakes
The editor of GQ Australia, Mike Christensen, has slammed the leaders for their lack of grooming, telling News Corp Australia neither of them appeared bothered to get a tailor ahead of the debate.
Body language expert Dr Louise Mahler criticised the pair for their awkward and aggressive behaviour.
An elated Chloe Shorten hugs the Opposition Leader as they drive off after the televised debate.
Pictures: Kym Smith
PM exits after debate
The Prime Minister leaves the Seven studios in Perth.
Picture: Kym Smith
Chloe's golden moment
An elated Chloe Shorten hugs the Opposition Leader as they drive off after the televised debate.
Pictures: Kym Smith
Bill Shorten was declared the winner of tonight's debate by the undecided voters in the room.
Of the 48 voters, 25 said Mr Shorten had won them over.
Twelve said they preferred Mr Morrison while 11 were undecided.
Picture: Kym Smith
– Claire Bickers
Shorten declared the winner
Bill Shorten was declared the winner of tonight's debate by the undecided voters in the room.
Of the 48 voters, 25 said Mr Shorten had won them over.
Twelve said they preferred Mr Morrison while 11 were undecided.
Picture: Kym Smith
– Claire Bickers
Two more debates in the mix
Now that the debate has wrapped up, what next?
Another debate has been scheduled to be broadcast on Sky News from Brisbane on Friday, but the Prime Minister has already called for a third in prime time. Mr Shorten wants a third debate to be held at lunchtime at the National Press Club.
Mr Morrison released a letter on Sunday evening calling for a third debate to be moderated by ABC journalist Leigh Sales and held in the evening of May 7, 8 or 9.
“A prime-time debate would provide as many Australians as possible, including those who work during the day, the best opportunity to scrutinise the very clear choice on offer at this election,” the letter said.
The letter also said the third debate wouldn’t prevent the two leaders going head-to-head again and doesn’t rule out the Nine Network’s proposal to host a debate.
– AAP
As we wait for the audience's verdict on who won the debate, News Corp Australia's national political editor says there was a clear winner: Scott Morrison.
Knowing the price of an electric car – a question which Bill Shorten tried to glide over – was the PM's "gotcha" moment, says Annika Smethurst.
"Shorten was relaxed and jovial, he also handled questions on border security by promising bipartisanship, blunting an attack."
But the Opposition Leader's worst moment, says Smethurst, was when he ruled out all pensioners would be hit by franking credit changes, missing those with self managed super funds.
Join the conversation
‘Gratitude’: Albo loses another minister
Anthony Albanese will lose another minister at this year’s federal election after an MP with 15 years’ experience in parliament confirmed his retirement.
Read more
‘Back on track’: Dutton’s new ad pledge
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has attempted to show off a softer side to his political personality by debuting a new ad where he promises to get Australia “back on track”.
Read more