Leaders' debate: Albanese takes out 'pub test' debate with convincing win

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has won the final leaders' debate, convincing pubs full of voters around the country after facing off against Prime Minister Scott Morrison. 

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has taken a convincing win in his final debate against Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Mr Albanese prevailed, scoring 50 per cent of the vote from 160 undecided voters around the country, the PM claimed 34 per cent while 16 per cent remained undecided during their final TV showdown.

The pair revealed what they admire most about each other as they went head-to-head, debating about wages, the economy, climate change, integrity and stopping the boats.

In a rare break from continual barbs, the pair were asked during the third and final debate, hosted by Channel 7, what their rivals' strengths were.

Mr Morrison said the Opposition leader never forgot where he came from, 'he grew up in community housing' and he had shown 'determination' to rise from humble beginnings to become Labor leader.

"I admire that in Australians and I admire that in Anthony," he said.

But he couldn't resist one final dig, saying 'but he's not across the detail' required to be an effective prime minister.

Mr Albanese said the job of prime minister was difficult but he admired Mr Morrison's commitment to mental health funding.

The final debate was a relatively polite and civil affair with Mr Albanese calling out Mr Morrison for being unwilling to increase the wages for the lowest paid workers in Australia by an extra $1 an hour.

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Mr Morrison hit back saying Mr Albanese was 'great on criticism and pointing to problems' but he 'doesn't know how to pay' for solutions and is a 'loose unit when it comes to the economy'.

"He makes things up as he goes along. He couldn't even tell you what the unemployment rate was, let alone the cash rate," said Mr Morrison. 

They also disagreed on the best way to deal with climate change, with Mr Albanese urging for an end to the climate wars.

Mr Morrison said the Liberals are investing $22b "to develop the technology that Australia, and in fact the world, needs to address the challenge of climate change".

"Our plan is about technology, not taxes," he said.

"It's about not mandates, but giving people choices about how to achieve this and to have reliable affordable energy in our system to ensure we can make the transition over a long period of time."

Mr Albanese said Labor would focus on renewables, which are the "cheapest form of new energy".

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

The leaders were asked about the 'great Australian dream' of home ownership, which is becoming further out of reach and just got a lot harder with interest rates on the rise.

Mr Morrison said the best way to keep downward pressure on interest rates was to ensure there is also downward pressure on inflation.

"And in a strong economy you can be more confident about your ability," he said.

Mr Albanese said the way to grow the economy is to increase productivity.

"That's what we have prioritised, productivity boosting measures, as part of our economic plan," he said.

He gave the examples, already announced, of Labor's childcare policy that will boost workforce participation and productivity in the workplace, as well as the party's infrastructure investments, support for the NBN, and plans on energy and climate change.

The leaders are asked about the shift towards independents among voters, and why they think the shift is happening. Mr Albanese said there is a great deal of disillusionment with major parties while Mr Morrison said the past three years have been incredibly tough and 'people are still feeling the effects of that'.

"A vote for the independents may be well meaning, but it would be a vote to weaken parliament and weaken Australia," he said.

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Originally published as Leaders' debate: Albanese takes out 'pub test' debate with convincing win

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