The election is complicated by the apparent lumpiness of the vote, with seats expected to change hands in both directions.
- Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
The timing of the promise appears to be designed to make an impact, without leaving much time to examine details. But with Labor promising to match it the political advantage will presumably be lost.
Wentworth remains one of the most interesting individual contests in this campaign.
Deep Saini speaks with Michelle Grattan about the week in politics.
Some old ALP hands have been recalling this week the appearances of Shorten during the Beaconsfield mining rescue, that brought the then union leader and political aspirant to the nation’s attention.
Morrison’s questions were on Labor’s superannuation and negative gearing policies; Shorten’s were on Labor policies too, as he challenged Morrison over cancer funding and child care.
The Daily Telegraph story with the headline “Mother of Invention” backfired, handing Shorten the opportunity of a powerful moment on the campaign trail and drawing criticism even within News Corp.
Richard Eccleston on the electoral mood in Tasmania
University of Tasmania political science professor, Richard Eccleston, says a lack of a coherent energy policy could count against the Coalition in the island state.
The reason we know more about a post-election Labor ministry is that most of its occupants are already “shadowing” the jobs they’d hold.
On primary votes, the ALP dropped a point to 36%, while the Coalition was static on 38%, from the last Newspoll a week ago.
Razzmatazz aside, the opposition leader - standing in front of Labor’s slogan “A Fair Go For Australia” - brought together the “case for change” in a carefully-honed, strongly delivered address.
At the Brisbane launch Shorten will emphasise the link between the tough economic decisions Labor has made and the ability provided to spend on health and other services.
Inevitably much of the discussion and many of the clashes focused on money and tax – the conflicting arguments have been well rehearsed throughout the campaign.
Leigh Sullivan joins Michelle Grattan to talk about the week in politics.
Refusing to own any particular set of figures, which is what Labor has done – apart from passing nods to assessments that suit its case - is risky.
Whether or not it’s some sort of record, the Liberals’ loss of two Victorian candidates in a single day is way beyond what Oscar Wilde would have dubbed carelessness.
Tim Colebatch on the battle in Victoria - and the Senate
Colebatch says three Victorian seats are "pretty certain" Labor wins - Dunkley, Corangamite and Chisholm. A number of others "are really open" - Casey, La Trobe, Deakin, Flinders and even Higgins.
After the backlash against the formal Labor-Greens alliance under the Gillard government, Shorten is anxious to keep maximum distance between the ALP and the minor party.
William Bowe on the state of election play in WA
Western Australia-based William Bowe, who runs The Poll Bludger website, says "there is a feeling that there is a Labor resurgence in the state".
Perched uncomfortably on their stools, with questions coming from two journalists and audience members, both leaders had tried to prep to the nth degree, although Shorten had a couple of lapses.
Andrew Hughes on political advertising - and Clive Palmer
ANU marketing lecturer Andrew Hughes says this is the first election where the advertising spend and activity has been more focussed on digital.
The tightening of the May 18 race, coming after Scott Morrison was seen to out-campaign Bill Shorten at the start of the campaign, will boost Coalition morale as pre-polling begins on Monday.
Bill Shorten’s announcement of a funding boost for child care is central to Labor’s campaign on cost of living.
So far immigration has not had a prominent place in the campaign, but Scott Morrison will try to change that on Sunday.
Apart from the debate about debates, Friday’s campaign argy bargy centred on the Liberals’ preference deal with Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, due to be announced by Palmer on Monday.
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