Liberal leader and would-be premier Steven Marshall and the man who wants the balance of power in South Australia, Nick Xenophon, have faced off before property experts in Adelaide, highlighting the need for boosting investment and economic growth.
In a debate on Friday organised by the Property Council, Mr Xenophon went straight to an issue important to his audience - land tax.
"It's an investment and jobs killer that SA's land tax is virtually double the national average," he said.
"The rate of land tax needs to be brought down within no longer than five years to the national average - from 3.7 per cent to 1.9 per cent."
He also outlined a plan to grow the state's population, which would involve a strategy to create jobs.
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"It (the plan) needs to be targeted to business and investment migrants and those from the eastern states wanting to escape the congestion and high prices there," he said.
Mr Marshall also mentioned growth as one of a number of issues critical to the property sector.
"To provide government services in terms of health, education and roads, you need to have a strong, growing economy - you need to provide something for the next generation," he said.
Friday's debate came ahead of Saturday's official calling of the election campaign when the writs will be issued for the March 17 poll.
But it went ahead without Premier Jay Weatherill who dubbed it a contest of conservatives.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity for former Liberal Nick Xenophon and current Liberal Steven Marshall to slug it out with the big end of town as bid for votes from their natural constituency," Mr Weatherill said on Friday.
And the leaders did butt heads on a number of issues, including where the allegiance of SA-BEST would lie after the election.
Mr Marshall again called on Mr Xenophon to reveal which party he would support should he win the balance of power.
"The only way that Labor is going to be re-elected after the election is with the support of Nick Xenophon," he said.
A third, empty chair was placed on the stage during the debate as a reminder of the premier's absence, though rendered unnecessary as both leaders made mention of his "snub".
"By not being here today the premier has conceded defeat on any debate involving the essential reforms needed to allow your secto - and with it the broader economy - to prosper," Mr Xenophon told the audience.
"By being too clever by half, he has made a very dumb decision."
