Abbott has set the agenda again in tonight's debate.
First, he reiterated paid maternity leave as crucial for retaining skills and maintaining workplace participation for women.
Secondly, he revealed Julia Gillard's duplicity on climate change - from being a conviction politician on climate change to an opportunist with no real answers.
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.
Thirdly, on border protection he had a clear and proven program for thwarting people smugglers.
On immigration I have always thought that people should come through the front door not the window.
Australia should always welcome refugees and should continue to do so for those most in need.
I am less than sanguine about being verballed in a national debate. The essential measures that brought boat arrivals, in large measure, to an end were the Pacific solution, temporary protection visas and returning boats where it was safe to do so. The Prime Minister has acknowledged that this occurred on seven occasions until smuggling albeit stopped.
It is difficult to secure a vessel against sabotage by passengers but it has been possible and can be done again.
Philip Ruddock has had his say on the leaders debate, but what do you think? Who performed better in the leadership debate?
