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Federal election: Former Solomons official ‘manhandled’ by PM’s security

A former Solomon Islands High Commissioner says he was “manhandled” by the Prime Minister’s security when he tried to talk to him. See the video.

Albanese: "I want a better future"

A former High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands says he was “manhandled” by the Prime Minister’s security and has criticised the government’s handling of the Pacific nation, calling on Australia to reset its relationship.

Scroll down for video of the confrontation.

Also in federal election news today:

■ Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has given the travelling media pack a dressing down, saying he won’t take questions from “yellers” as he and the PM clashed over wage rises.

■ Tasmanian MP Bridget Archer fought back tears and then pleaded for people to debate transgender issues with respect as former PM Tony Abbott released a video backing Katherine Deves.

■ Wage rises and inflation continued to dominate the election debate as Mr Albanese promised $100 million for a battery hub in Gladstone and declared Labor would win the central Queensland seat.

■ Scott Morrison said Labor’s promise of a 5.1 per cent wage increase was effectively interfering with the independence of the Fair Work Commission, something Mr Albanese denied.

■ NSW Treasurer Matthew Kean is pleading with voters to not trade moderate MPs for "teal" independents in fear it will create a Trump-like shift, with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet backing the call.

Mr Kean, who spoke alongside Wentworth MP Dave Sharma, said a lack of moderate Liberals would leave the party with no variety of perspectives.

"We’ve seen the impact of what happens when the centre-right parties lose moderate voices. Look at the Republican Party, the party of Lincoln, the party that has abolished slavery – has now become the party of Trump, the party of Putin sympathisers and anti-vaxxers," Mr Kean said.


■ Education Minister Alan Tudge is named multiple times in legal correspondence exchanged between lawyers acting for his former press secretary Rachelle Miller and the Department of Finance in relation to a secret $500,000 settlement.

Follow all Thursday’s political coverage below.

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FORMER COMMISSIONER ‘MANHANDLED’ BY PM’S SECURITY

A former High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands says the Prime Minister’s security “manhandled” him as he tried to talk to Mr Morrison about the handling of Australia’s relationship with the Pacific nation.

Trevor Sofield, 78, was Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomons between 1982 and 1985, and happened to run into the Prime Minister campaigning at a cafe in northern Tasmania on Thursday.

“You’re manhandling me, I want to talk with the Prime Minister,” he said as Mr Morrison was bundled into a car after visiting Ashgrove dairy door in Latrobe.

“Why are you pushing me over? All I want to do is talk to the Prime Minister. I have been mishandled.

Ex High Commissioner to Solomon Islands stopped from talking to the PM
Trevor Sofield, the former Solomons Island High Commissioner, is held back by the PM’s security. Picture: Jason Edwards
Trevor Sofield, the former Solomons Island High Commissioner, is held back by the PM’s security. Picture: Jason Edwards
The PM’s security approach Mr Sofield as they rush Mr Morrison into a car. Picture: Jason Edwards
The PM’s security approach Mr Sofield as they rush Mr Morrison into a car. Picture: Jason Edwards

After he was barred from speaking to Mr Morrison, Mr Sofield told reporters he wouldn’t vote for the Coalition due to the government’s failure regarding the Solomons.

Trevor Sofield, the ex-High Commissioner to Solomon Islands is intercepted by the PM’s security. Picture: Jason Edwards
Trevor Sofield, the ex-High Commissioner to Solomon Islands is intercepted by the PM’s security. Picture: Jason Edwards

“I simply wanted to say to him, I’d like you to know that you’d lost my vote this year because of the way in which your government has mishandled our relationship,” he said.

“But I think (Labor) coming in as a new broom, we’ve got an opportunity to reset the relationship.”

Amid fears China could establish a military base in the Solomons in the wake of a secret security pact between the Pacific nation and Beijing, Mr Sofield called for Australia to “reset the relationship”

“Sit down with people who know the South Pacific and start to completely re-engineer the way in which we approach it,” MrSofield said.

Mr Sofield: “What the heck is going on? I’m in a free country in a public space.’’ Picture: Jason Edwards
Mr Sofield: “What the heck is going on? I’m in a free country in a public space.’’ Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Sofield said Mr Morrison’s staff had overheard him talking to a journalist about the Solomons and he was then asked to leave the venue.

“I wasn’t particularly going to talk to the Prime Minister until I started getting that sort of reaction from them,” he said.

“That’s what made me determined (to approach him). What the heck is going on. I’m in a free country in a public space. He’s meant to be on a visit meeting the general public.”

Mr Sofield said he had spent three months in the country prior to independence before being named the second High Commissioner in 1982.

‘THAT’S NOT MY FAULT’: ALBO CLASHES WITH MEDIA

Anthony Albanese clashed with journalists during his press conference on Thursday, declaring at one point that the travelling media were “a bit rude sometimes”.

Mr Albanese got a little testy wit the media in Gladstone. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Mr Albanese got a little testy wit the media in Gladstone. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The event was held at an oil refinery in Gladstone, where machinery made it difficult to hear questions and answers.

Mr Albanese, who has been brought undone by questions on several occasions during the campaign, laid down the law when journalists began questioning him.

“One of the things that I do is, the loudest yeller doesn’t get the next question,” he said.

One journalist interjected to ask a question because she could not hear, before Mr Albanese replied “that’s not my fault”.

He then said “hang on, hang on, you don’t get 20 questions”.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese imposes rules on his press conferences

“You’ve had two and I’ll answer them,” he said. In an exchange with a local journalist who was covering the event, he promised he would take a different question then return to him.

“They’re a bit rude aren’t they, sometimes,” he joked of the travelling media. At another point, he called on a journalist to ask a question because he was “being very polite”.

Meanwhile, a Sky News cross cracked up the PM as he was trying to bowl them over in Bass.

Scott Morrison cracks up over well-timed pun

The Prime Minister tried his hand at bowls with 81-year-old Bruce Howard but wet conditions saw him soundly beaten by the local legend.

ALBO IN TRIBUTE TO NURSES ON LAST STOP

Mr Albanese’s last stop of the day was a prepoll centre in the Brisbane electorate of Lilley, which is held by Labor’s Anika Wells on a margin of just 0.6 per cent.

Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese pictured in Brisbane Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese pictured in Brisbane Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Joined by his partner, Jodie Haydon, Mr Albanese greeted voters and handed out how-to-vote cards. He then distributed gifts to a group of healthcare workers to mark International Nurses Day, and signed a pledge to fix the aged care system by implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

Mr Albanese meeting with nurses at pre polling booths in the seat of Lilley. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Mr Albanese meeting with nurses at pre polling booths in the seat of Lilley. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Albanese said he had experienced first-hand the hard work and care of nurses after he was helped by an off-duty nurse following a car crash in Marrickville last year.

“The truth is, though, every nurse (works) 24/7 in your own lives,” he said. “Our nurses are so special.”

MP IN KNIFE-EDGE SEAT IN TEARS WITH PM

Bass MP Bridget Archer was in tears on Thursday after suffering an anxiety attack on the way to a mental heath funding announcement.

Ms Archer holds the traditionally bellwether seat on a margin of just 0.2 per cent – and a poll of voters in her electorate said they backed Labor’s Anthony Albanese over PM Scott Morrison after Wednesday night’s debate.

Bridget Archer MP fights back tears. Picture: Jason Edwards
Bridget Archer MP fights back tears. Picture: Jason Edwards

The MP said she was ‘holding up ok” despite the campaign adding a layer of stress. Her seat is a must-win for both parties with both leaders already having visited Tasmania twice in an effort to secure it.

Ms Archer said she welcomed the $55 million announcement in mental health funding, announced by Mr Morrison during his third visit to Tasmania for the election campaign.

The funding will establish new and existing mental health services as well as ongoing support for the state’s first Head to Health centre in Launceston.

Ms Archer said she had dealt with her own challenges with panic attacks and anxiety and knew how vital mental health services were.

“This is something that’s very important to me,” she said.

“I know when people ask why you get involved in public life, I think everyone has their reasons why, and this is one of the ones for me.”

Mr Morrison thanked Ms Archer for her comments, saying she had a big heart with “plenty of room for everybody”.

Ms Archer was also asked if the Prime Minister was being hypocritical by standing by Ms Deves.

“There is a place for having the conversations we are having,” Ms Archer said.

“ I don’t think we should necessarily censor people.

When we’re talking about people, whoever they might be, we should always seek to do that in a way that is respectful.”

Ms Archer with the PM at the mental health funding announcement. Picture: Jason Edwards
Ms Archer with the PM at the mental health funding announcement. Picture: Jason Edwards

Viewers of the debate in Tasmania’s marginal Liberal seat of Bass – held by less than 1 per cent by Ms Archer – were significantly swayed by the Labor leader’s performance, with 52 per cent voting him the winner compared to 32 per cent who backed the Prime Minister.

Overall, Mr Albanese secured the win 50 to 34 per cent, reported The Australian.

Ms Archer has attracted significant attention over the last six months, after crossing the floor to vote with Labor and Independents like Helen Haines to bring on debate for an anti-corruption body.

When asked about her position on Mr Morrison’s first visit, she insisted it was the same as the Prime Minister’s and the rest of the Party

Mr Morrison was greeted by protesters in Launceston when he arrived at the announcement.

A group of about 12 people were outside the Head to Health office chanting “hey hey, ho ho, Scott Morrison has got to go.”

They also heckled Health Minister Greg Hunt as he walked outside at the event.

“Tasmania’s health services have been gutted,” one said.

“Why don’t you come outside and talk to some real people.”

Pay rises, a major topic of debate over this week of the campaign, was also a key issue.

“An integrity commission would be nice too,” another protester said.

The protesters who greeted the PM. Picture: Jason Edwards
The protesters who greeted the PM. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Morrison said the agreement would ensure Tasmanians had access to more support.

“The importance of mental health support has never been more evident than in recent years when Covid had many Tasmanians seeking help for the first time, that’s why our support for these services is so important,” he said.

Mr Morrison was ushered into the building past the protest. Picture: Jason Edwards
Mr Morrison was ushered into the building past the protest. Picture: Jason Edwards
Health Minister Greg Hunt was also heckled. Picture: Jason Edwards
Health Minister Greg Hunt was also heckled. Picture: Jason Edwards

The projects funded include $24.7m for mental health care for adults at three new Head to Health satellite clinics in Burnie, Devonport and outer Hobart, $4.2m to establish a new headspace centre in Rosny Park and $2.9m to boost the clinical capacity of existing headspace sites in Burnie, Devonport, Hobart and Launceston.

It also includes $12.6m for three Head to Health Kids Centres within Tasmania’s Child and Family Learning Centres, $2.5m for the Tasmanian government to establish and ­deliver three eating disorder day programs in 2022-23, $5.2m for universal after-care services to support individuals discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt and, $3m to support peri-natal mental health screening.

ABBOTT IN PLEA FOR LIBS TO BACK DEVES

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has urged Liberals to “get behind” Liberal candidate Katherine Deves amid a storm of controversy over her claims trans teenagers are being “surgically mutilated.”

Mr Abbott, who lost the seat of Warringah in 2019 to Independent Zali Steggall, has predicted she’s a real chance of winning the seat back.

Ex-PM urges support for Katherine Deves

Urging volunteers not to abandon ship to nearby electorates where Liberal MPs are fighting for their political lives, Mr Abbott he was proud to support her.

“The more I see of Katherine Deves the more impressed I am with her courage, with her common sense, with her decency and with quite frankly her capacity to win this seat back for the Liberal Party,” Mr Abbott said in a video obtained by news.com.au.

“So I really do urge all Warringah Liberals to get behind our candidate. She is our candidate, she’s doing a good job, and she deserves to be supported.”

Her 6,000 strong archive of tweets on transgenderism and her claim trans people are “mutilated” was first revealed by news.com.au last month sparking national headlines.

Ms Deves was a “Captains pick” for the seat and was chosen by a three person panel of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and former party president Chris McDiven.

PM LATE FOR AFTERNOON DRINKS

The Primer Minister has been accused of being late for Thursday afternoon drinks as he hit the greens in Launceston with the local community.

Mr Morrison visits Beauty Point Bowls club to meet with community members, play lawn bowls and announce that the club will be receiving $180,000 in funding for facility upgrades. Picture: Jason Edwards
Mr Morrison visits Beauty Point Bowls club to meet with community members, play lawn bowls and announce that the club will be receiving $180,000 in funding for facility upgrades. Picture: Jason Edwards

Scott Morrison arrived at Beauty Points Bowls Club to tout a $180,000 to replace one of their greens. He was greeted by club president Mick Savage, who introduced him to a group of locals enjoying a pot of Boags.

Mr Morrison arrives for some bowls. Picture: Jason Edwards
Mr Morrison arrives for some bowls. Picture: Jason Edwards

"Getting into it already?" Mr Morrison asked.

"Actually, you're late," they replied.

Scott Morrison with Bruce Howard, 81. Picture: Jason Edwards
Scott Morrison with Bruce Howard, 81. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Primer Minister tried his hand at bowls and was also presented with a red hat advertising the club's team, known as the Pirates. When asked where the origin of the name, Mr Savage said his mate Bill had come up with it.

Mr Scott Morrison catches up with one of the locals. Picture: Jason Edwards
Mr Scott Morrison catches up with one of the locals. Picture: Jason Edwards

TUDGE NAMED IN LEGAL LETTERS

Education Minister Alan Tudge is named multiple times in legal correspondence exchanged between lawyers acting for his former press secretary Rachelle Miller and the Department of Finance in relation to a secret $500,000 settlement.

Despite the Prime Minister’s claim that he “would have been told” if the negotiations involved a cabinet minister, News Corp has confirmed the correspondence names not only Mr Tudge but another former employer Attorney-General Michaelia Cash and former Liberal staffers.

Both ministers have categorically denied bullying Ms Miller during her employment.

Alan Tudge at the 2017 Mid-Winter Ball in the company of Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller who he was having an affair with. Picture: ABC/Four Corners
Alan Tudge at the 2017 Mid-Winter Ball in the company of Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller who he was having an affair with. Picture: ABC/Four Corners

In a 22-page letter outlining the claim, Ms Miller’s employment with Mr Tudge is canvassed over four pages and her employment in Senator Cash’s office is also discussed.

Mr Tudge has previously confirmed he had an intimate relationship with Ms Miller that did not involve sexual intercourse.

However, the relationship did involve the employer and employee spending time together naked in bed.

Alan Tudge said he was unaware of the fresh negotiations. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage
Alan Tudge said he was unaware of the fresh negotiations. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The Department of Finance has made no official finding of wrongdoing against any individual and nor has any previous workplace investigation into the matter.

The Prime Minister confirmed during a Channel 7 election debate on Wednesday night that the matter was still being negotiated.

He has previously claimed the payout was a “private matter”.

“First of all this matter I’m advised has not even been settled,’’ Mr Morrison said.

“That’s because these matters go to very private interactions between people and they are handled sensitively. We had an independent inquiry into Alan Tudge.”

Mr Morrison was then asked if he really needed an independent inquiry to find out that whether it was right or wrong for a cabinet minister to have a sexual relationship with a staffer.

“Of course, people who have relationships in the office, that’s something I’ve never approved of,’’ the Prime Minister said.

Missing MP Alan Tudge quizzed on campaign trail

In an interview with Sky News this week, Mr Tudge confirmed he was unaware of the fresh negotiations with the Department of Finance and had never been interviewed or asked to give evidence in relation to the compensation claim.

“As the Prime Minister said, he’s unaware, I’m unaware, it’s a matter for the Department of Finance,’’ Mr Tudge said.

“I’m not aware of any of those things. I have no information. I haven’t been called as a witness. I haven’t been asked to provide evidence. And as the Prime Minister said, if it involved me, he would have been made aware and hasn’t been made aware.”

ALBO SAYS $1 INCREASE SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY PM

Anthony Albanese has held up a dollar coin and declared it “extraordinary” that Prime Minister Scott Morrison does not support a minimum wage rise in line with inflation.

But he still refuses to say whether a proposed wage rise of 5.1 per cent will be included in a submission to the Fair Work Commission.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese holds up a dollar coin in Gladstone. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Labor leader Anthony Albanese holds up a dollar coin in Gladstone. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

In a press conference at a Gladstone oil refinery on Thursday, Mr Albanese held up the coin and addressed the widespread debate over his support for the rise.

“The idea that we would support a real wage cut for people on the minimum wage is I think the extraordinary claim,” he said

“I think what is extraordinary about this debate is that a prime minister who says that people who are cleaners, retail workers – people who got us through the pandemic – should get a real wage cut is really what he is saying.”

Mr Albanese said Labor’s FWC submission would not be finalised until after the May 21 election, with the deadline not until June 7.

He said the government does not have authority to override the Commission if it does not support the wage decision.

“The Fair Work Commission is independent of government,” he said.

“What I said the other day, and I stand by consistently, is that if the Fair Work Commission makes a decision which says that real wages for minimum wage workers should not be cut, that is something that I would welcome.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison issues another warning on wages in Tasmania. Picture: Jason Edwards
Prime Minister Scott Morrison issues another warning on wages in Tasmania. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Morrison said this week that the Opposition Leader's comments about increasing the minimum wage by 5.1 per cent were reckless and could add to inflation.

But he has also said there was "magic pen" to increase salaries and Labor couldn't deliver on its promises to do so.

Mr Morrison was pushed on how both these claims could be true at the same time and whether government's could raised wages or not.

He said businesses relied on the stability of an independent decision.

Scott Morrison says Fair Work Commission must be independent. Picture: Jason Edwards
Scott Morrison says Fair Work Commission must be independent. Picture: Jason Edwards

"My point is that the Fair Work Commission is an important institution in how our economy is run," Mr Morrison said.

"It provides certainty in the economy. "So if you're a small business person, you can have some comfort, that wage rates are not just going to be set arbitrarily."

Mr Morrison claimed comments made by politicians could disrupt this process.

"If you're a prime minister or a treasurer, and you're just careless about these things, you're loose with these things, and you run off on the mouth about where you think wages should be or shouldn't be, that can precondition inflationary expectations in the economy," he said.

"It can actually become a self-fulfilling prophecy. "What my issue is, we all want to see wages increase, but I don't want to see reckless behaviour in how the process should work.".

ALBANESE ANNOUNCES $100M BATTERY HUB FOR GLADSTONE

Labor’s candidate in the Central Queensland seat of Flynn “will win”, Mr Albanese has declared, in a whistle stop tour of Gladstone — his first of the campaign.

Mr Albanese bristled at claims he had been absent from Central Queensland, saying he had been in the region more than the embattled LNP candidate for Lilley had been at his alleged house.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese pictured at the Northern Oil Refinery in Gladstone QLD today. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Labor leader Anthony Albanese pictured at the Northern Oil Refinery in Gladstone QLD today. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The Opposition Leader toured the Northern Refinery of Southern Oil, where he announced federal Labor — if it wins — would hand the state government $100m in equity for a battery manufacturing hub in the Gladstone area.

He toured the refinery alongside Gladstone Mayor turned Labor’s Flynn candidate Matt Burnett.

It is the first time Mr Albanese had stopped in Gladstone during the last 4.5 weeks of campaigning, though he argued he had been here numerous times prior.

“I have been to Emerald three times, twice to Biloela, a number of times to Rockhampton, Gracemere … if I was an LNP candidate for Lilley I would’ve changed my address to here,” he said.

Mr Albanese pictured in Gladstone, Ed Music on left and Matt Burnett on right. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Mr Albanese pictured in Gladstone, Ed Music on left and Matt Burnett on right. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I’ve been here more than the LNP candidate for Lilley has been at the address where he’s enrolled.”

The candidate, Mr Vivian Lobo, is being investigated by the AFP for potential enrolment fraud.

The seat of Flynn is held by the LNP with a margin of 8.9 per cent, with Labor’s confidence of taking the seat waning over the campaign.

But Mr Albanese was emphatic when he said Mr Burnett would “win Flynn because he‘s so connected and embedded into the community”.

The Northern Refinery of Southern Oil collects used lubricant oil from across the nation and refine it for re-use, processing about 300,000 litres of the stuff a day.

Mr Albanese toured the facility alongside Gladstone Mayor turned Labor candidate Mr Burnett, Industry spokesman Ed Husic and Northern Australia spokesman Senator Murray Watt.

Mr Albanese, who has largely shied away from media opportunities involving manufacturing facilities or anything involving high-vis, toured the laboratory and the machinery where the oil is refined.

DON’T FOLLOW CLIVE’S TICKET SAYS DUTTON

Peter Dutton has made a strange request to voters after mining magnate Clive Palmer made good on his threat to campaign against him.

The Defence Minister – who holds the Queensland seat of Dickson on a margin of 4.6 per cent – has been listed second last and below Labor on the United Australia Party’s how-to-vote card.

Clive Palmer is obviously no fan of Peter Dutton. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT
Clive Palmer is obviously no fan of Peter Dutton. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Speaking with Sydney radio, Mr Dutton said the move was “unfortunate” but called on voters to disregard Mr Palmer’s preference recommendations given Labor’s lack of commitments to Dickson.

“Mine (has) always been a tight seat,” he told 2GB.

“So I think it’s unfortunate Clive’s made the decision he has, but all I would say is, if you’re thinking of voting for Clive … in Dickson, don’t follow his ticket.

“If you’re inclined to vote for him one, please put me two and then fill out each other square.”

FINAL DEBATE GOES ALBO’S WAY

The final leaders debate in an election set to go down to the wire was dominated by wages, the cost-of-living and who could better manage the economy.

In a significantly more civil debate compared to the combative clash on Sunday night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese stuck closely to their campaign talking points even throwing in half-hearted compliments toward the end.

The Prime Minister agreed with the characterisation of sidelined frontbencher Alan Tudge as a “minister without a portfolio”, while Anthony Albanese confirmed Labor would investigate the treatment of late Senator Kimberley Kitching if a member of caucus lodged a formal complaint.

Both leaders categorically ruled out imposing a carbon tax or mining tax — a promise which will resonate particularly with voters in the resource states of Queensland and Western Australia.

The winner of the debate was decided by groups of swing voters in marginal seats across the nation.

Among the 160 undecided voters, Mr Albanese comfortably won the "pub test" debate, polling 50 per cent compared to Scott Morrison's 34 per cent. There were 16 per cent of voters who said they remained undecided at the conclusion of the debate.

Morrison: " I want a strong economy"

The centrepiece of the late-night hour-long debate on Seven, broadcast live after Big Brother, was the major party’s views on wage growth — which has emerged as the starkest policy differentiation between the two.

Framing the issue through the lens of the worker, Mr Albanese said workers “doing it tough” were making decisions on “whether they’ll buy a steak or just have to stick to mincemeat for families”.

“If the Fair Work Commission grants a 5 per cent increase, that’s two cups of coffee a day,” Mr Albanese said.

Albanese: "We don't want people left behind"

“And the idea that two cups of coffee a day is something that would damage the economy … I believe that’s just not the case.”

The Prime Minister argued a wage hike of that size would put jobs at risk, particularly for small businesses during times of labour shortages, supply chain issues and rising costs.

“Small businesses are doing it incredibly tough. They’re the ones who employ people and we want to ensure that they can keep employing people,” he said.

“And by having a sensible approach to wages policy they can employ people and pay them better wages.”

As the debate marched through Mr Albanese’s strengths of childcare and a list of Labor’s policies, the Prime Minister sought to redirect the conversation by slamming the lack of costings on the Opposition’s plan.

Morrison: "I welcome pay rises for everyone"

“We hear him talk about a lot of things he’s going to do … but what we haven’t heard is how he’s going to pay for them,” Mr Morrison said.

“During this election campaign he has not submitted one policy for costing.”

Mr Albanese, in his retort, said Labor’s childcare policy cost $5.4bn over the forward estimates, which was “less than the $5.5bn that you spend on submarines that just ended up with a torn up contract”.

On the threat of “teal” independents risking the political futures of Coalition MPs in inner-city seats, Mr Morrison said a vote for independents “may be well meaning, but it would be a vote to weaken our parliament and weaken Australia”.

Both leaders were asked to justify their sledges against each other’s character, including Mr Morrison’s quip that his opponent was the most dangerous Labor leader since Gough Whitlam.

Albanese: "We need to restore faith in politics"

“This is a Labor leader who comes from the far left of the party and has been very loose, he is a loose unit when it comes to the economy,” he said.

“He couldn’t even tell you what the unemployment rate was, let alone the cash rate.

“Understanding the economy, particularly at a time like this, you can’t risk it with someone who just simply has not had the experience in the serious financial jobs of government.”

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese during the third leaders' debate at Seven Network Studios.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese during the third leaders' debate at Seven Network Studios.

But Mr Albanese said his government would be one of most experienced Labor had produced.

“I have an experienced team. We are ready for government,” he said.

“And all we see from this government that is now seeking a fourth term in office, we don’t have an agenda for today let alone an agenda for the next term.”

Scott Morrison enjoys a laugh during the debate. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Scott Morrison enjoys a laugh during the debate. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

The debate, similar to the first debate on Sky News, veered toward Labor’s policy on asylum seekers on boat turn backs — though Mr Albanese steered clear of tripping up on his answer.

Mr Albanese reacts during the third leaders' debate at Seven Network Studios. AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
Mr Albanese reacts during the third leaders' debate at Seven Network Studios. AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

In his final debate pitch to voters Mr Morrison framed the election once again as a referendum on who could better manage the economy, particularly against “the global forces” that are pushing up interest rates and cost of living.

Mr Albanese also chose his preferred route of pitching Labor as the government who could provide “a better future”, through rising wages, and improvements to aged care and childcare.

“I believe that good government can help people achieve their dreams and aspirations for a better future for themselves, their families and in particular generations to come,” he said.

FRYDENBERG: ‘QUIET AUSTRALIANS’ WILL SAVE ME

Josh Frydenberg is putting the fate of his political future in the hands of “quiet Australians”, as new polls reveal he’s in real danger of losing his seat to an independent candidate.

According to the YouGov poll – commissioned exclusively for News Corp – the Treasurer would lose his seat of Kooyong on a two-party-preferred basis to so-called ‘Teal’ independent Monique Ryan.

But, Mr Frydenberg says he’s taking any polls suggesting he faces a political demise with a jar of salt, and is putting his faith in what Scott Morrison calls “the quiet Australians”.

“There’s still a long way to go and the battle will be tight, but … I have worked at my local community for the last 12 years,” Mr Frydenberg told Sky News.

Josh Frydenberg’s political future is in doubt.
Josh Frydenberg’s political future is in doubt.

According to the poll, if the election were held today Labor would win 80 seats in parliament – picking up 12 from the Coalition – and Kooyong, as well as Goldstein, would fall to Climate 200 independents.

“We know that from last time around when people wrote us off, yet the Australian people produced a very different result,” Mr Frydenberg said,

“There are many – as the Prime Minister calls them – quiet Australians out there.

“John Howard called them battlers. Sir Robert Menzies called them the forgotten people, and in the United Kingdom they’re called the ‘shy Tory’.

“Essentially, these are people who may not answer every poll or phone call … they are going about their daily lives … and they know that Scott Morrison and the Coalition have been better economic managers.”

Mr Frydenberg said he’s being buoyed by the “remarkable” people who make up his electorate. 

“I see my job as being about serving the people behind the numbers. I’m being stopped by family business owners who say thanks for Jobkeeper – who say ‘you saved my business’ or ‘you helped keep my family in a job’,” Mr Frydenberg told the Nine Network. 

“When I meet families who are beneficiaries of drugs we have listed on the PBS, which we can only do because of a strong economy … that’s why I’m committed to doing it and to be honest, why I went into politics in the first place. 

“My father’s parents came from Poland in the 1930s, they moved into … Kooyong. They are not alive to see it today, but their grandson is holding Menzies’ seat. 

“Their grandson is the Treasurer of Australia – that’s what makes this country great, that anyone can be what they want to be.”

ACT SENATE RACE ON A KNIFE-EDGE

Katy Gallagher isn’t taking her senate spot for granted, admitting she “would not be surprised” if voters she got onside last election moved to back independents next Saturday.

Senator Gallagher – who has been an ACT Senator since 2019 – is hoping to retain her spot, but high-profile candidates David Pocock and Kim Rubenstein could take enough progressive votes away from her to result in a loss.

Liberal senator Zed Seselja is the fourth major candidate running in the two-spot ACT senate race.

Senator Gallagher told ABC Radio she knows the race will be close.

Senator Katy Gallagher. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Senator Katy Gallagher. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Former Wallaby, David Pocock. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage
Former Wallaby, David Pocock. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“I think there’s a lot more progressive candidates vying for the same vote. And so it would be no surprise then that some of the votes I got last time … I won’t get this time,” she said.

“I’ve got to fight for every vote. But I do that at every election.

“I think the race is tighter in this Senate campaign than it has been in the past, and when you have a number of progressive candidates … the vote will be split.”

POLLING REVEALS MP’S IN DANGER

A nationwide poll has shown Labor should win a majority at next week’s election – and revealed which MP’s will be looking for new jobs.

The polling, commissioned by News Corp, finds the most likely outcome on May 21 is Anthony Albanese winning 80 seats – more than the 76 required for an outright victory – with the Prime Minister stuck on 63 seats.

YouGov forecasts Victoria will be central to the government’s downfall, with the Coalition losing four seats: Chisholm and Higgins to Labor, as well as Kooyong and Goldstein to teal independents.

SEE THE FULL LIST

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Originally published as Federal election: Former Solomons official ‘manhandled’ by PM’s security

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/federal-election/federal-election-2022-live-albo-says-team-ready-for-govt-after-debate-win/news-story/2a461443b408a299bb92bb54e71495d9