Live: Albanese and Dutton both begin in Melbourne before ABC’s leader debate

Good morning from Melbourne — where the election campaign is as caffeinated as the coffee beans.


Victoria might look like solid Labor territory on paper, but the reality on the ground is more complicated.


Labor’s facing a fierce contest on two fronts: a strong Greens challenge in inner-city seats like Wills and Macnamara, and a Coalition push in outer metropolitan suburbs like Dunkley and McEwen, where cost-of-living pressures have left a bitter taste.


Labor’s task? Convince the mortgage belt that the sting of economic hardship is finally starting to ease — and distance themselves from the state government, whose brand has taken a hit in recent years.

Holding 24 of 38 seats, there’s a latte at stake.

Good morning and welcome to the federal election blog!

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are both beginning the day in Melbourne, before heading off to ABC’s Parramatta studio for the leaders debate tonight.

We will hear from our friends Liv Caisley and Tom Crowley who are on the trail with Dutton and Albanese shortly.

Let’s get into it!