Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been challenged to another debate with opposition leader Bill Shorten

APPARENTLY Malcolm Turnbull is looking for a national debate that’s live and interactive. Well, Tony Jones has a challenge for the PM.

WE could be in for a showdown between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader Bill Shorten next week.

That is, of course, if the Prime Minister accepts the challenge put to him by Q&A host Tony Jones.

At the end of last night’s episode of the ABC TV show, Jones announced Mr Shorten would be part of the panel next Monday and challenged Mr Turnbull to join him.

“We see reports today the Prime Minster is looking for a national debate that’s live and interactive with questions from Australian citizens and social media,” Jones said.

“If only such a thing existed. Prime Minister, Q&A is ready when you are.”

Mr Turnbull is yet to respond to the challenge but viewers had little faith that he would show up to debate the rival Labor Party leader.

“Turnbull shivering in his shoes,” a viewer posted on Twitter.

Others have accused Mr Turnbull of running scared and said Q&A might be too tough for him.

Turnbull will appear on Sky News forums. But #qanda is a different kettle of fish. Perhaps too tough for him? #auspol

— Nick (@NSunners) June 6, 2016

Mr Turnbull was also mocked for wanting to control the debate and some said he would rather have his own Q&A on Facebook rather than on television.

According to The Guardian, Mr Turnbull said he wanted another debate with Mr Shorten, but one that got more of the public involved.

He thought a Facebook Q&A, similar to one he held personally in January, could get more people interested in the leaders’ debate.

“I can assure you, I enjoy debating and I want to reach as many people as I possibly can in the debate because we have a great story to tell,” Mr Turnbull said ahead of Q&A airing on Monday.

A Q&A debate could be an interesting platform for leaders to have it out, with audience members able to challenge them on the spot.

It's simple Tony ............. Turnbull is running scared. #QandA

— Sir Magoo (@MisdaMagoo) June 6, 2016

It would be a lot more interesting than the previous two debates, with the one on May 29 dubbed a “snoozefest”.

Mr Turnbull focused on economy and growth and Mr Shorten discussed trust and solid financial leadership.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten says he will debate Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull anywhere, anytime. Picture: Jason Edwards

Following the leaders’ debate, Independent Senator Nick Xenophon said on Q&A on May 31 he had to force himself to watch the whole thing.

“It seems as though six times as many people watched a cooking show, a singing show and a home reno show than the debate and if only they used autocues half the night it would’ve been more animated,” he said.

“That debate disengaged and disconnected people. It was a disgrace. Australians deserve better.”

Greens leader Richard Di Natale said on the program the debate was a “snoozefest”.

“It’s an hour of our life we won’t get back,” he said.

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon said the last leaders debate disengaged and disconnected people. Picture: Julian Smith Source: AAP

Mr Turnbull has also come under fire for not committing to a people’s forum in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The Courier Mail reported Mr Turnbull had not yet accepted an invitation, while Mr Shorten was set to go and address voters.

He said he would debate the Prime Minister “anytime, anywhere”.

“But if he doesn’t front up on Wednesday, he is turning his back on Queenslanders, plain and simple,” Mr Shorten said.

The ball is in your court Mr Turnbull.