On a day of reversals and recriminations, both major parties have been back-tracking as polling continues to sway politicking.
The Coalition was first cab off the rank, seemingly stung by Labor's criticism of inconsistent company tax programmes, saying it would reduce its parental leave scheme levy on business to 1.5 per cent and not introduce the paid leave provision until July 2012.
Meanwhile, Julia Gillard decided she would like another debate with Tony Abbott, on the economy, but the Coalition leader now says he can't fit one into his campaign schedule.
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In a major blunder by Abbott, he seemed to suggest that Gillard was saying that: “No doesn't always mean no” about the debates, possibly offending the very women voters he has been trying to woo.
The Prime Minister could still get her debate, however, with the Greens leader Bob Brown calling on Gillard to debate him if Tony Abbott refuses to show.
With the Reserve Bank holding interest rates steady, Gillard was looking for every opportunity to let voters know that Labor was responsible for the positive economic outlook.
Finally, health became another battle ground, with Abbott accusing the Labor government of launching a sneak attack on Medibank Private's three million policyholders.
And the Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon told doctors who claim to be losing patients to the government's GP super clinics to become more competitive.
