Climate change and the issue of trust dominated the first official debate of the election campaign, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition leader Bill Shorten facing off at the National Press Club in Canberra.
Both leaders were pressed about their views on climate change, with the prime minister arguing he maintained the same position he held prior to taking over leadership of the Liberal party.
“I stand where we have always stood, recognising that we must take action as a global community to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to protect our environment for our children, our grandchildren and the generations that come thereafter,” Mr Turnbull said.
Mr Turnbull as opposition leader supported an emissions trading scheme, but has since made it clear his party is standing by its direct action policy.
Mr Shorten asked "what happened to the old Malcolm Turnbull on climate change?" and said the prime minister had previously been "so impressive" on the issue.
“Now [Mr Turnbull] is just implementing Tony Abbott’s policies,” Mr Shorten said.
“We’ve got policies which are aimed at making a real difference in terms of our pollution…we’re focusing on renewable energy."
The leaders faced questions from a panel of journalists and both drew on their upbringing when asked why voters should trust them.
“I’m a person who stood up for the fair go my whole working life,” Mr Shorten said.
“I understand the pressures people have when they go to work.”
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Mr Shorten said Labor had learned from "that difficult period" of leadership challenges, and said the party was demonstrating "unity of purpose".
When pushed on his identity to voters, and whether or not they should trust him, Mr Turnbull emphasised his career outside of politics. Mr Turnbull said he and his wife's experience dealing with business and investment was an important asset.
“We understand what makes the economy hum,” Mr Turnbull said.
“We understand the important of confidence, we understand why people hire, why people invest…our future, and that of every Australian, depends on this strong economy.”
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
