Albanian and Dutton are confronted in the first debate

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced his opponent of election Peter Dutton in his first debate before May 3 Federal Election VoiceS

Life costs dominated the debate on Tuesday night, organized by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph, and the two leaders were also asked about US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Public opinion polls envisage a thin margin between the Labor Party of Albanese and the Liberal Party of Dutton and the possibility, either to have to form the next government with independent MPs or secondary parties.

Albanese was declared a winner at night by Sky News after a vote by 100 indefinite voters, who also provided the night of the night.

When the debate host asked the audience if they were difficult for them with the cost of living, most of the audience members raised their hands, according to the BBC broadcast partner, ABC News.

Dutton described the show of the hands as “a very confronting scene,” while Albanese said he had dropped inflation, salaries, and added that interest rates were beginning to fall, according to ABC.

The two candidates were also asked for a possible reduction in the excise duty of fuel and the increasing cost of watching a GP.

How to answer Trump’s tariffs was the first question of the night. To which Albans replied that “no country was better prepared” by Australia for its efforts.

“We will continue to negotiate, of course, that the US is looking for a better deal for Australia, as reciprocal tariffs would be zero because we do not impose tariffs on American goods,” he said.

Dutton pointed his experience with negotiations with the first Trump government.

“The prime minister of the day must have the ability and strength of the character to be able to face the thugs, against those who would seek to harm us, to keep our country safe,” he said.