Climate change and the issue of trust dominated proceedings, as Messrs Turnbull and Shorten appeared at the National Press Club in Canberra.
Both leaders were pressed about their views on a range of issues, including tax cuts, climate change and the issue of trust.
Malcolm Turnbull was keen to highlight his business credentials before entering politics.
"I came here to Parliament at the age of 50 after a career that had many roles, including many in business, often in partnership with my wife, Lucy. And together what we have done is built businesses, made investments, created jobs. We understand what makes the economy hum."
Opposition leader Bill Shorten also tendered his background in support of Labor's bid to offer a "fair go" for all Australians.
As a former union leader and the son of a single mother, he said he understands the pressure many ordinary Australians are under.
"I'm a person who stood up for the fair go my whole working life. I'm a person who has been in the workplaces of Australia, standing up for people, ensuring there are cooperative enterprises, making sure that people are well-paid and that companies are successful in their business. This is the way I look at Australia."
The issue of border protection sparked a heated exchange between the two.
(Turnbull:) "...The melancholy fact of the matter is, that Australians cannot trust Labor to keep the border secure."
(Shorten:) "...Shame on you Mr Turnbull for what you just said."
Malcolm Turnbull was asked to rule out further changes to superannuation if he wins the election on July the 2nd.
"Superannuation is a critical part of Australian savings. What we have done is made some big changes, proposed some big changes, which will make the super system fairer and more flexible."
Bill Shorten said voters can trust Labor to protect Medicare and ensure fair taxation and housing affordability.
He also took aim at Malcolm Turnbull on the issue of climate change..
"Malcolm, whatever happened to the old Malcolm Turnbull on climate change? You were so impressive when you were leading on climate change. Now you are just implementing Tony Abbott's policies. The truth of the matter is, there are differences in our policies. We will have our policies based upon the best evidence of the scientists, not Tony Abbott and the climate change sceptics of his backbench."
Share
