Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has again sought to goad Opposition Leader Tony Abbott into debating him in Canberra next week.
Mr Rudd, campaigning in his electorate in Brisbane, said Mr Abbott seemed to be saying he wouldn't participate in a debate because the election hadn't been called yet.
"I just think it's time for Mr Abbott to man up a bit," he told reporters.
Mr Rudd said he had been PM for just over a week, while Mr Abbott had been campaigning now for four years on a range of issues.
"How about you put your money where your mouth is and have a debate this Thursday at the National Press Club on debt and deficit, on asylum seekers and on carbon pricing," he said.
Mr Rudd said these were the election issues chosen by the opposition leader.
"Or does he not have the guts to stand up and debate," he said.
So far Mr Abbott has ignored the prodding, declaring he was happy to debate Mr Rudd in parliament if it's recalled or in the course of the election campaign.
