Leaders trade barbs in fiery first debate of campaign
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison backed his ability to keep the economy strong, as Bill Shorten lashed out over electric cars in the first leaders’ debate of the election.
Mr Shorten scored an early blow, attacking the government’s inaction and indecision on climate change, securing applause from the audience.
It was an at-times fiery debate as the two leaders fired barbs at each other.
The debate was held in Western Australia, once considered a stronghold for the Coalition but increasingly under threat from the Labor Party which is targeting a swath of marginal seats.
Asked about Labor’s plan for electric cars to make up 50 per cent of new car sales by 2030, the Opposition Leader was caught out when he could not name the price of one of the vehicles, saying he had not bought a new car in years.
He complained about “gotcha” questions and fired a shot at Mr Morrison who volunteered to answer the question for him saying it was $28,000.
“That’s great, we’ve got a Prime Minister spending his time in the motoring that’s super,” he said.
Mr Shorten said Labor was not coming for voters’ utes, saying “we don’t mind what car you drive”.
He received applause from the audience, who had been independently selected by YouGov Galaxy polling company, when he attacked the government’s split on energy policy.
“If you want to stop polluting the environment you do have to spend some money,” Mr Shorten said.
“The biggest reason energy prices are out of control is because the Government can’t make up its mind on what to do on climate change.
“An argument which says you shouldn’t change … is an argument which says the future is too hard.”
But Mr Morrison sprung on the Opposition Leader’s lack of detail around his policies, when Mr Shorten said he was “ready” to govern.
“If you’re ready, tell us what the cost of your tax policy is. Tell us what the cost of your climate change policy is,” the Prime Minister said.
“He’s not telling you what the cost of change is … People deserve to know what the cost of change is.”
Mr Morrison said voters could trust him because he had a track record of delivering, including the first projected budget surplus in a decade.
“If our economy can’t remain strong then the funding for those essential services are at risk,” he said.