LIVE: Election 2025 – Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton to face off for the ultimate time earlier than Aussies head to the polls in must-win Channel 7 debate

On Apr 27, 2025

By MAX AITCHISON, POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 10:24, 27 April 2025 | Updated: 11:19, 27 April 2025

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are to face off for the final time in Sunday night’s leaders’ debate, hosted by Channel Seven.

It comes less than a week until Australians head to the polls on Saturday, May 3.

The debate, which kicks off at 8pm (AEST), will be hosted by Sunrise’s Nat Barr and moderated by 7NEWS Political Editor Mark Riley, from the network’s Sydney studios.

Immediately following the debate, Michael Usher will anchor a special edition of 7NEWS Spotlight including the final verdict and comprehensive analysis of the key issues.

Follow Daily Mail Australia’s coverage below.

Major poll delivers bad news for one leader

Leaders rally the troops

Debate format

It will last for one hour, with both leaders being given an uninterrupted one-minute address at the start and the end.

It’s understood both leaders will be asked six questions, including a ‘rapid fire’ session of questions consisting of just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers.

There will also be a four-minute debate section where both men can question each other, with Channel Seven political editor Mark Riley moderating.

Debate fatigue

This is the fourth debate between the two leaders.

Sky News hosted the first one, with an audience of 100 undecided voters adjudging Anthony Albanese the victor.

The second debate, which was moderated by Insiders host David Speers on the ABC, did not crown a winner and the third on Channel Nine was a split decision from their expert panel.

At least the gloves finally came off, with both men trading insults early on.

Daily Mail Australia’s political editor Peter Van Onselen adjudged the third debate ‘a dishonourable draw’, meaning that tonight’s clash could be the decider.

Riding high in the polls, the PM has everything to lose, whereas Dutton is the definite underdog.

Leaders to be grilled on Welcome to Country

Daily Mail Australia can reveal both leaders will have to answer a question regarding the place of Welcome to Country ceremonies in Australia during tonight’s 7News’ debate.

It comes after a group of protesters booed the Welcome to Country ceremony during the Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne on Friday.

The incident sparked a huge public debate, after a veteran was filmed arguing with a journalist about whether a Welcome to Country was appropriate during such an occasion.