Leaders’ debate verdict

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Bill Shorten shake hands before the Perth debate. Picture: Nic Ellis/The West Australian

Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten faced off in their first leaders’ debate last night in Perth.

The Opposition Leader got the audience vote, but what do our experts have to say?

Paul Kelly

Neither leader won by knockout or by points. The first Morrison-Shorten debate was tight, robust and a pretty equal contest.

Paul Kelly.

It illuminated the central issue of the campaign. What is the price of Bill Shorten’s change agenda? Is the Australian public ready to take the risk?

Morrison had the harder brief — defending the Coalition’s record while Shorten had the easier task in making the case for change.

The bottom line is that Morrison, coming from behind, is giving the public more reasons to doubt the Shorten experiment.

Dennis Shanahan.

Dennis Shanahan

Bill Shorten had a political victory by dominating the tone and emotion of the debate but Scott Morrison still won the fight on substance.

Simon Benson

Bill Shorten may have won the audience but Scott Morrison won the debate. His command of policy detail outweighed the Labor leader’s rhetoric.

Troy Bramston

Both leaders were polished, hewed to key lines and delivered targeted barbs. Morrison was more aggressive; Shorten got more laughs and applause. No clear winner.

Caroline Overington

There was no winner. Shorten was too busy dodging and weaving to properly land a blow, and Morrison was too glib. We’ll need at least one, hopefully two more.