Tony Abbott's request for a so-called "people's forum" showdown against Kevin Rudd isn't washing with Labor, who want the next few televised debates broadcast on free-to-air TV.
The opposition leader has challenged the prime minister to join him in taking questions from the public at an event hosted by pay television network Sky News in Brisbane next Wednesday.
But the ALP has written to the coalition expressing concern about Mr Abbott's idea, arguing more viewers could be reached if the debates were hosted by free-to-air TV networks.
Mr Rudd on Tuesday said each of the major networks should be able to host a proper national debate.
"Free-to-air television is available for everybody," he told reporters in Townsville.
"Sky is not, because it's on pay TV."
The ALP's campaign director George Wright wrote to his counterpart Brian Loughnane on Tuesday proposing the leaders meet for an "innovative" debate hosted by Channel Seven on Sunday.
It's believed journalists would host the debate with an audience of swinging voters present, a format Mr Wright said would allow millions of previously unengaged viewers to join in the political process.
"I'll be there," Mr Rudd said.
Channel Nine has also expressed a desire for a "breakfast style" debate, and Network Ten is pushing for a "hybrid" of a moderated debate involving audience and social media participation.
ABC's Q&A program has also proposed hosting another debate.
Mr Abbott said the people's forums were a great format and he'd certainly be turning up to meet voters and take their questions.
"The journos already have their vehicles for asking questions of me and Mr Rudd," he told reporters on Sydney's outskirts on Tuesday.
"I think the people should have a go."
He said he wanted the forums to be open to as many media outlets as possible.
