The September 7 federal election will be about who the Australian people trust to manage the economy, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
Shortly after visiting Governor-General Quentin Bryce to set the poll date on Sunday, Mr Rudd outlined his "positive" plans for the nation's future.
"This election will be about who the Australian people best trust to lead them through the difficult new economic challenges that now lie ahead," he told reporters in Canberra.
The poll will also be about who Australians trust to protect jobs, deliver fair wages and conditions, invest in health and education and ensure there is a fair go for all, he added.
The prime minister positioned himself as the underdog in the election contest against Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
"If we had an election yesterday Mr Abbott would be prime minister as of today," he said.
Taking aim at Mr Abbott, Mr Rudd said Australian politics must move forward from old-style negative politics.
"Three-word slogans don't solve problems. They never have and they never will," he said.
Mr Rudd warned an Abbott-led coalition government would engage in a $70 billion "slash and burn" austerity drive that would hurt the nation.
He predicted the coalition would launch a massive negative advertising campaign in the weeks ahead.
But he said Mr Abbott could not hide behind such ads and challenged him to an election debate on Monday evening hosted by Sky News.
"I'm in like Flynn, I'm up for it. I hope Mr Abbott is as well," Mr Rudd said, adding that he was prepared to have a formal debate with the opposition leader every week of the campaign.
Alluding to his removal as prime minister a little over three years ago, Mr Rudd said the public had seen him experience some low moments.
"Moments I will never forget, because whether they were good or bad, they certainly made me a much stronger person," he said.
"You, the Australian people, know me pretty well - warts and all.
"I would be deeply honoured to serve you the Australian people and the country into the future."
Mr Rudd also confirmed that his decision to call an election earlier than former prime minister Julia Gillard's September 14 date meant the planned local government referendum wouldn't proceed.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr was likely to represent Australia at the G20 summit on September 5 to 6, Mr Rudd said.
