Baird, Foley face off in leaders' debate

Electricity privatisation is tipped to be a major focus of the NSW state election's first leaders' debate between Mike Baird and Luke Foley on Friday.

Premier Mike Baird (pic) will go head-to-head with Luke Foley in the NSW election's first debate. (AAP)

Premier Mike Baird will go head-to-head with Labor rival Luke Foley in the NSW election campaign's first debate on Friday.

Mr Baird's plan to partially privatise the state's electricity assets, and Mr Foley's opposition to it, is expected to be a major focus of the debate.

The coalition government says the 49 per cent lease will raise $20 billion to be spent on roads, rail, hospitals and schools.

Mr Foley opposes a plan he says will cause electricity prices to rise.

The Labor leader last week unveiled his own $10 billion infrastructure package, half of which is from deferred business tax cuts.

The leaders' debate will be held at Homebush at midday on Friday and will be hosted by the NSW Business Chamber.

The Baird-led coalition is tipped to be returned in the March 28 election, although Labor is expected to regain ground following their disastrous 2011 result.