Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emerged as the winner of the first Leaders’ debate of the 2025 general election campaign.

Held in western Sydney on Tuesday night, the debate saw 44 per cent of undecided voters in attendance choosing Albanese as the winner, compared to 35 per cent for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Another 21 per cent remained undecided following the 90-minute session.

This was the first face-off between Albanese, leader of the governing Labor Party, and Dutton, leader of the opposition Coalition, ahead of the May 3 general election.

In their opening statements, Albanese urged Australians to look forward and build the nation’s future, while Dutton pledged to get the country “back on track” under a Coalition government.

A key moment in the debate was a question on how each leader would approach relations with a Donald Trump-led US administration, given Trump’s recent return to office. Albanese described the new US tariffs as an “act of economic self-harm” while Dutton criticised the Albanese government for not securing an exemption and emphasized the need to “stand up” to international bullies.

The debate also touched on domestic policies, including the Coalition’s recent backtrack on plans to end flexible working arrangements and cut 41,000 federal public service jobs—a shift Albanese highlighted in his closing statement to question the Coalition’s credibility.

“Now’s not the time to make cuts,” said Albanese, pointing to global uncertainties.

In his closing remarks, Dutton claimed a Coalition government would better manage the economy and address the cost-of-living crisis. “A Coalition government will always be a better economic manager,” he declared.

The debate took place two weeks ahead of early voting, which begins on April 22. Election day is on May 3, and voting is mandatory for all enrolled citizens aged 18 and over. According to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), enrolment for this election has hit a record 98 per cent.

In 2022, over 17.2 million Australians voted, with turnout at nearly 90 per cent. Those who fail to vote face small fines.

The second leaders’ debate between Albanese and Dutton is scheduled for April 16.