SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Abbott offers Gillard a debate deal

In a surprise announcement, Tony Abbott has said that he will debate Julia Gillard on the economy, but with conditions.

abbott_campaignlaunch_100808_B_aap_1944401564

1 min read

Published

Updated

By Gabrielle Procter

Source: SBS


Skip to article content

Speaking at the Liverpool RSL in Sydney, the Opposition leader said it was “important to flush her (Gillard) out on this subject”.

“The last thing I would do is not debate the economy and I'm more than happy to debate the economy tomorrow night on the ABC,” Abbott told reporters.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

His condition is the prime minister must agree to join him at a community forum in Brisbane on the following night.

“It's one thing to debate with journalists… politicians,” Abbott said.

“It's the people's questions that are important.”

Abbott has effectively offered Gillard a deal.

He has agreed to debate the economy with her on the ABC on Tuesday night, “if she faces up to the people of Queensland… she shouldn't run away from the people of Queensland.”

Abbott said he originally asked for three debates, but the prime minister did not agree. He was now offering new terms on the basis that the campaign was entering its final, crucial days.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world