Federal election: Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese come out swinging in second debate

Touted as The Great Debate, the clash between Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison was more like a competition in shouting and interruption.

ANALYSIS

Shouty and rushed, the second leaders debate of the election campaign lacked depth, but Anthony Albanese landed more blows on Scott Morrison in what was largely a disappointing clash.

It’s unlikely many of the more than a quarter of Australians still undecided on who they will vote for as pre-polling opens left the debate with much affinity for either leader.

At several points the two men talked over each other for long stretches, trying to out yell their opponent rather than engage in a genuine back and forth on policy and politics as the format traditionally demands.

Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison at the debate. Picture: James Brickwood – Pool/Getty Images

Ironically for someone who has found it difficult to find the answers at times during the campaign, Mr Albanese delivered the best question of the evening when he asked Mr Morrison if he now conceded the Covid-19 vaccine rollout had indeed been a “race”.

Mr Morrison agreed it was and the language used by the Coalition decrying the opposite had been wrong.

This was a standout moment in the debate, not just because it showed Labor knew where to go looking for the Coalition’s weaknesses, but also because Mr Morrison tackled the issue head on with humility, rather than ducking and weaving as he had done for the better part of a year.

Elsewhere the Prime Minister also offered up blunt responses when pushed on topics he previously had sought to avoid.

On why he hadn’t been campaigning in inner city seats where moderate Liberals are under threat from “teal” independents, Mr Morrison replied simply that he was focused on running against Labor.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 08: (L-R) Australian opposition leader Anthony Albanese and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison debate on live television ahead of the federal election, during the second leaders' debate of the 2022 federal election campaign, at the Nine studio on May 8, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian federal election will be held on Saturday 21 May with Liberal leader Scott Morrison looking to secure a fourth term in power for the Coalition against Labor and opposition leader Anthony Albanese. (Photo by James Brickwood – Pool/Getty Images)

Mr Albanese too had sharpened his responses on problematic issues for Labor like negative gearing (it’s good) and the Chinese Communist Party (it’s bad).

Rattled when pushed on the substance of his own character and whether he lied about knowing Labor’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) policy, Mr Albanese by no means had a perfect night.

But with the election race fast approaching the final corner, Mr Albanese’s ability to call out issues like the gig economy and speak plainly on corruption cut through where Mr Morrison has been unable to.

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Originally published as Federal election: Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese come out swinging in second debate