Malcolm Turnbull is deflecting poor polling results and questions over ill-prepared candidates by pressuring Bill Shorten over a "captain's pick" to dump the schoolkids bonus.
The prime minister on Saturday was confronted with the latest 7News-ReachTel poll showing Labor ahead of the coalition 52-48 on a two-party preferred basis.
But he's confident the coalition has enjoyed a great week and its economic message is resonating with the public.
"We're very pleased with the reception we're getting," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Sydney.
He dodged questions over the Liberal candidate for the Victorian seat of McEwen, Chris Jermyn, who failed to articulate the party's position on health as he crashed a Labor health media event.
Instead, the prime minister homed in on Mr Shorten's admission that the schoolkids payment was abandoned after the release of the latest Treasury outlook.
The Labor leader had "milked" political gain in championing the $4.5 billion payment before backflipping on his promise to restore it, Mr Turnbull said.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann demanded to know what other unfunded spending promises Labor would renege on, warning the public it wasn't the time for a change in government.
"This is not the time to take risks, to go for the political instability that comes with a return to a Labor-Greens government of the past."
Mr Shorten rejected claims the bonus could spell further backflips.
"We've made choices, but we've made different choices to Mr Turnbull."
He was also cautious on the polling results, insisting Labor remained the underdog in the race given the 21 seats it needs to win government.
That sort of swing had rarely been achieved in Australian history, he said.
Mr Shorten played with toy caterpillars and playdough with kids from an early intervention program in Sunbury, while announcing extra funding for the program.
Mr Turnbull spent time in his own electorate of Wentworth, where he was joined by wife Lucy for the first time on the campaign trail.
The Turnbulls officially opened Headspace in Bondi Junction meeting and greeting young people who have struggled with mental illness.
"A word, a hand, some help, changes people's lives even at the very edge, literally, and perhaps here metaphorically," he said.
Both men were scheduled to take part in the Long Walk for reconciliation before attending the Dreamtime match between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG.
On Sunday both men will be focused on the first full-on leaders' debate at the National Press Club in Canberra.
Meanwhile, former Australian Idol co-host and television personality James Mathison announced he'd be standing as independent in the northern Sydney beaches seat of Warringah - currently held by former prime minister Tony Abbott.
He got the backing of independent senator Jacqui Lambie.
"You go for it, James. Put those budgie smugglers on and give Tony Abbott a run."
