Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott are set for a public showdown in Brisbane on Wednesday.
The leaders will face off at the Broncos Leagues Club in Brisbane in a people's forum to be broadcast on television by Sky News.
Mr Rudd told reporters in Adelaide on Saturday he had repeatedly challenged Mr Abbott to debates on free-to-air television to ensure there was universal access for voters who wanted to tune in.
"I'm aware there's a combined proposal by Nine, Seven and Ten to the leader of the opposition to engage in a debate with me, whereby it would be broadcast by all networks," Mr Rudd told reporters in Adelaide.
"I'm further advised that Mr Abbott has declined."
Mr Rudd said Sky News was cable television and "frankly that's a very narrow group of Australians that it covers."
"With all due deference to our friends at Sky," he added.
Despite such reservations Mr Rudd has agreed to participate in the forum.
"I'll debate Mr Abbott wherever and whenever there's an opportunity," he said.
