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Victorian election leaders' debate: Daniel Andrews and Matthew Guy trade blows – live Victorian election leaders' debate: Daniel Andrews and Matthew Guy trade blows – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
That is it for the first televised debate of the campaign. (The ABC has pointed out that it is simulcasting its radio debate tomorrow on the teevees.)
The audience poll awarded the debate to Andrews. Forty-nine votes for Andrews, 33 for Guy, and 18 undecided. But it is hard to say whether that will have an impact on the result on Saturday night, in part because airing the debate on pay TV is, as some of you have pointed out on the twitters, more of a narrowcast than a broadcast.
The second issue is that as of 6pm tonight, 970,454 Victorians have already voted.
The Sky panel, headed by Paul Murray, has (perhaps unsurprisingly) handed it to Matthew Guy because of Daniel Andrews’s comments on bail and Bourke Street, and his so-called “agressive” stage presence.
This is his “aggressive” presence – standing in the middle of the stage.
Looks like Andrews took the centre pic.twitter.com/xO8Sezt9hr
The Liberal Party state secretary, Michael Kroger, who is on that panel, comments that he was surprised not to see any questions on the CFA or sky rail — issues that the Coalition has tried to push and, based on the room tonight, are not front of mind.
But you’re probably not reading Guardian Australia to hear about what Sky thinks, so here’s our key takeaways:
Daniel Andrews won more audience applause. There was a big round of applause when he mentioned the royal commission into mental health, when he defended safe schools, and when he finished his final commentary. Guy got an applause when he spoke about denying bail to people who commit offences on bail.
Crime is the key divide. Guy is proposing strengthening the bail laws — which have already been toughened under the Andrews government to the point that lawyers say people are being needlessly imprisoned — to automatically revoke bail for anyone who commits an offence while on bail.
Safe Schools is still a controversial issue, but it was also fiercely supported by many in the room based on the angry murmurs that followed that questions. Andrews’s impassioned defence of it was well received.
Guy has doubled down on politicising the Bourke Street attack. He said that under the bail laws he was proposing, the accused would not have been in the community and therefore the attack would not have occurred. It was an emotional point, and difficult for Andrews to rebut without appearing to excuse the attack. He said that refusing bail to everyone charged with a common driving offence and with no history of violence (a very low bar) would mean the government would have to build so many prisons it would not be able to afford to do anything else. That was not a popular response.
That’s it from me tonight. You can find all of our Victorian election coverage here. Tune back in to the live blog on Saturday evening, when Gay Alcorn, Luke Henriques-Gomes, Melissa Davey, Lisa Martin, and Lisa Cox will bring you the results live as they come and all the nonsense on the night.
That’s a wrapThat’s a wrap
Daniel Andrews and Matthew Guy have given their closing remarks — no new territory there, other than the first mention from Guy of the CFA dispute. Daniel Andrews and Matthew Guy have given their closing remarks — no new territory there, other than the first mention from Guy of the Country Fire Authority dispute.
Sky presenter Paul Murray has been watching their body language; what David Speers called “lively” Murray has called “aggro.”Sky presenter Paul Murray has been watching their body language; what David Speers called “lively” Murray has called “aggro.”
These blokes hate each other.These blokes hate each other.
Quick run through of the last few questions.Quick run through of the last few questions.
Matthew Guy is asked if the Coalition will match Labor’s commitment for a royal commission into mental health.Matthew Guy is asked if the Coalition will match Labor’s commitment for a royal commission into mental health.
Guy says “we think there is some merit into looking at the royal commission”.Guy says “we think there is some merit into looking at the royal commission”.
The questioner points out that the majority of people in jail have mental health issues, Guy says that’s “not an excuse”.The questioner points out that the majority of people in jail have mental health issues, Guy says that’s “not an excuse”.
Daniel Andrews says that’s offensive.Daniel Andrews says that’s offensive.
Next, population growth.Next, population growth.
Guy has been campaigning on the basis that population growth in Melbourne is out of control. He says that he thinks that the current level of population growth is correct but “it’s not being spread correctly”.Guy has been campaigning on the basis that population growth in Melbourne is out of control. He says that he thinks that the current level of population growth is correct but “it’s not being spread correctly”.
Andrews says migration is set by the federal government.Andrews says migration is set by the federal government.
Finally, David Speers asks both leaders what they will do if there is a hung parliament on Saturday night.Finally, David Speers asks both leaders what they will do if there is a hung parliament on Saturday night.
Guy quips:Guy quips:
Didn’t we start this by flipping a coin?Didn’t we start this by flipping a coin?
He adds:He adds:
Well, if that’s what the people of Victoria put as a parliament for us to approach, we have to deal with it, we have to find a way to make it work.Well, if that’s what the people of Victoria put as a parliament for us to approach, we have to deal with it, we have to find a way to make it work.
Andrews says the question is “hypothetical” but reiterates that he will not govern with the Greens – wouldn’t be drawn on whether he would govern with their support to guarantee supply.Andrews says the question is “hypothetical” but reiterates that he will not govern with the Greens – wouldn’t be drawn on whether he would govern with their support to guarantee supply.
I have been very clear about the Greens, no deal will be offered and no deal would be done.I have been very clear about the Greens, no deal will be offered and no deal would be done.
Next question is on Safe Schools. An apricot-haired woman says that Daniel Andrews projects a “wholesome, traditional ideal” of his family in election advertising but still supports the Safe Schools program.Next question is on Safe Schools. An apricot-haired woman says that Daniel Andrews projects a “wholesome, traditional ideal” of his family in election advertising but still supports the Safe Schools program.
Andrews says that the Safe Schools program does not teach children about gender identity; it’s an anti-bullying program that provides a resource for teachers.Andrews says that the Safe Schools program does not teach children about gender identity; it’s an anti-bullying program that provides a resource for teachers.
I am not proposing to change the program because it saves lives.I am not proposing to change the program because it saves lives.
Matthew Guy has proposed to cut the program and replace it with a $15m anti-bullying program drafted by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.Matthew Guy has proposed to cut the program and replace it with a $15m anti-bullying program drafted by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
It is a completely different program run by a completely different body.It is a completely different program run by a completely different body.
David Speers asks Guy what is different about this program and what will not be included. Not a lot, it seems. It still includes resources to help children that are being bullied for their sexual or gender identity. Andrews says the Alannah and Madeline Foundation program is already included in the Safe Schools program.David Speers asks Guy what is different about this program and what will not be included. Not a lot, it seems. It still includes resources to help children that are being bullied for their sexual or gender identity. Andrews says the Alannah and Madeline Foundation program is already included in the Safe Schools program.
The questioner chimes back in. She says ...The questioner chimes back in. She says ...
... That children are being encouraged now that they can be a boy one day and a girl the next, and don’t shake your head because you know it’s true… that children are being taught that they can chose their gender identity in schools.... That children are being encouraged now that they can be a boy one day and a girl the next, and don’t shake your head because you know it’s true… that children are being taught that they can chose their gender identity in schools.
Andrews says that is “simply wrong.”Andrews says that is “simply wrong.”
Same-sex accepted adolescents, young people in school, six times the rate of suicide. I am not going to accept that.Same-sex accepted adolescents, young people in school, six times the rate of suicide. I am not going to accept that.
He says that if providing resources to reduce homophobia is unpopular, then he can accept that. The audience applauds.He says that if providing resources to reduce homophobia is unpopular, then he can accept that. The audience applauds.
Matthew Guy has some strong views on bail that do not align with the current justice systemMatthew Guy has some strong views on bail that do not align with the current justice system
A police officer named Luke asks two very simple questions. 1) will there be more funding for resources for police, such as sufficient patrol cars, and 2) will there be additional support for mental health for police?A police officer named Luke asks two very simple questions. 1) will there be more funding for resources for police, such as sufficient patrol cars, and 2) will there be additional support for mental health for police?
Daniel Andrews says his government has announced reforms to help police and emergency service workers get access to mental health support more quickly. He says they have also committed to greater resources and technologies.Daniel Andrews says his government has announced reforms to help police and emergency service workers get access to mental health support more quickly. He says they have also committed to greater resources and technologies.
Matthew Guy takes the question in a different direciton.Matthew Guy takes the question in a different direciton.
He tells Luke:He tells Luke:
You are not being served well by the criminal justice system … The police are re-arresting the same people over and over again. It’s not the fault of police, it’s the fault of the justice system.You are not being served well by the criminal justice system … The police are re-arresting the same people over and over again. It’s not the fault of police, it’s the fault of the justice system.
Speers asks Guy if he thinks Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, the man accused of the Bourke Street fatal stabbing, should have been out on bail.Speers asks Guy if he thinks Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, the man accused of the Bourke Street fatal stabbing, should have been out on bail.
Ali was on bail for a driving offence and was given police bail for another driving offence.Ali was on bail for a driving offence and was given police bail for another driving offence.
Guy says no, he should not have been.Guy says no, he should not have been.
And he would not have been under the laws we propose. Because a bail on bail offence would be a mandatory thing to go back in jail.And he would not have been under the laws we propose. Because a bail on bail offence would be a mandatory thing to go back in jail.
Andrews says that police did not oppose Ali’s bail, and that it was an offence of driving unlicensed for a person without a history of violent crime. In those circumstances, he says, bail was reasonable.Andrews says that police did not oppose Ali’s bail, and that it was an offence of driving unlicensed for a person without a history of violent crime. In those circumstances, he says, bail was reasonable.
He says that Ali was a person of interest, but:He says that Ali was a person of interest, but:
... that is not in itself a crime. Many peoples you do don’t want people to know they are a person of interest, that’s why we’re interested in them.... that is not in itself a crime. Many peoples you do don’t want people to know they are a person of interest, that’s why we’re interested in them.
Guy says that Ali’s driving offence “must be one serious driving offence to be bailed”.Guy says that Ali’s driving offence “must be one serious driving offence to be bailed”.
Andrews says no – all offences of driving unlicensed require bail, it’s a standard protocol.Andrews says no – all offences of driving unlicensed require bail, it’s a standard protocol.
There won’t be any more hospitals built, there won’t be any more Tafes built, you will be building prisons and that’s all.There won’t be any more hospitals built, there won’t be any more Tafes built, you will be building prisons and that’s all.
There follows a brief period of furious agreement.There follows a brief period of furious agreement.
A questioner asks about support for aged care facilities; both leaders say they support the federal government’s royal commission and reforms into aged care.A questioner asks about support for aged care facilities; both leaders say they support the federal government’s royal commission and reforms into aged care.
Another questioner asks about funding for state schools.Another questioner asks about funding for state schools.
Matthew Guy says he went to state schools and supports funding them.Matthew Guy says he went to state schools and supports funding them.
Guy:Guy:
I have seen ads that say I want to cut the state school system. Why would I want to do that? My children are in the state school system, I am a product of the state school system, which is rare among politicians.I have seen ads that say I want to cut the state school system. Why would I want to do that? My children are in the state school system, I am a product of the state school system, which is rare among politicians.
Andrews went to a local Catholic school, and so do his kids. He says he and Guy are having “a contest of agreement here on most things” but says they disagree on how to respond to the federal government’s education funding offer.Andrews went to a local Catholic school, and so do his kids. He says he and Guy are having “a contest of agreement here on most things” but says they disagree on how to respond to the federal government’s education funding offer.
It’s lower than the funding package set out under the former Labor federal government. Andrews says he will hold out for more funding; Guy says he’ll sign the deal but then argue for more later.It’s lower than the funding package set out under the former Labor federal government. Andrews says he will hold out for more funding; Guy says he’ll sign the deal but then argue for more later.
Now it’s Greg, a retiree who claims to know Daniel Andrews, although Andrews does not acknowledge the acquaintanceship.Now it’s Greg, a retiree who claims to know Daniel Andrews, although Andrews does not acknowledge the acquaintanceship.
Greg is angry that Andrews decided not to build the East-West Link and had to pay $1.3bn to cancel the contracts.Greg is angry that Andrews decided not to build the East-West Link and had to pay $1.3bn to cancel the contracts.
That was a monumental wicked waste and it would have improved traffic flow around the city.That was a monumental wicked waste and it would have improved traffic flow around the city.
Andrews thanks Greg for the question but says “you may not like the answer”.Andrews thanks Greg for the question but says “you may not like the answer”.
He said he first saw “the rigged contract that was signed not by me but by our predecessors” the morning after the 2014 election, and was told by government lawyers that he could either pay $1.3bn to scrap the contract or $20bn to build the road, which he said would have meant he could not afford other infrastructure promises.He said he first saw “the rigged contract that was signed not by me but by our predecessors” the morning after the 2014 election, and was told by government lawyers that he could either pay $1.3bn to scrap the contract or $20bn to build the road, which he said would have meant he could not afford other infrastructure promises.
So I could deliver the project that Victorians had to voted for or I could deliver the projects that we had put forward for our positive plan and we have delivered those projects.So I could deliver the project that Victorians had to voted for or I could deliver the projects that we had put forward for our positive plan and we have delivered those projects.
I can tell you that I was pretty angry myself to be told the next morning that the contract had essentially been rigged and the money had been paid for.I can tell you that I was pretty angry myself to be told the next morning that the contract had essentially been rigged and the money had been paid for.
That contract, incidentally, was signed by Matthew Guy. He says the cost of severing the contract could have paid for the cost of building a new royal children’s hospital.That contract, incidentally, was signed by Matthew Guy. He says the cost of severing the contract could have paid for the cost of building a new royal children’s hospital.
Guy:Guy:
I’ll give this room a promise, I won’t tear up any contracts that this government has signed for infrastructure.I’ll give this room a promise, I won’t tear up any contracts that this government has signed for infrastructure.
Guy says calling the contract “rigged” is a “weasel word”. Andrews disagrees. Speers moves them on.Guy says calling the contract “rigged” is a “weasel word”. Andrews disagrees. Speers moves them on.
Two questions on education now. The first is from a former Tafe teacher, who wants to ensure that the Andrews government’s investment in Tafe will include support for teachers.Two questions on education now. The first is from a former Tafe teacher, who wants to ensure that the Andrews government’s investment in Tafe will include support for teachers.
Matthew Guy says the Coalition will maintain the restored Tafe funding and says the package he is proposing is “very similar.”Matthew Guy says the Coalition will maintain the restored Tafe funding and says the package he is proposing is “very similar.”
Question two is from a man named Michael who would like both leaders to recognise the preventative health benefits of a plant-based diet. Both leaders agree and kind of try to move on.Question two is from a man named Michael who would like both leaders to recognise the preventative health benefits of a plant-based diet. Both leaders agree and kind of try to move on.
Question three goes to the effectiveness and evidence base behind mandatory sentencing, which has been a core plank of the Coalition’s policy platform. Labor has also been tough on crime, introducing bail reforms that lower the bar for the number of offences that have a presumption against bail.Question three goes to the effectiveness and evidence base behind mandatory sentencing, which has been a core plank of the Coalition’s policy platform. Labor has also been tough on crime, introducing bail reforms that lower the bar for the number of offences that have a presumption against bail.
Guy answers first. He says violent crime is up, and he is not interested in concerns about the impact on people who receive mandatory sentences.Guy answers first. He says violent crime is up, and he is not interested in concerns about the impact on people who receive mandatory sentences.
(There’s extensive evidence that mandatory sentencing disproportionately affects Indigenous people and vulnerable groups, and does not reduce recidivism or the overall crime rate.)(There’s extensive evidence that mandatory sentencing disproportionately affects Indigenous people and vulnerable groups, and does not reduce recidivism or the overall crime rate.)
Guy:Guy:
But for repeat violent offenders, I am sorry. I don’t have sympathy for them, I am more worried about the people they have hurt ... We are going to protect those who obey the laws not protect those that ...But for repeat violent offenders, I am sorry. I don’t have sympathy for them, I am more worried about the people they have hurt ... We are going to protect those who obey the laws not protect those that ...
David Speers asks him to address the point that there’s not a strong evidence base for mandatory sentences. Guy says he’s not interested.David Speers asks him to address the point that there’s not a strong evidence base for mandatory sentences. Guy says he’s not interested.
Speers: “You’re not going to rely on evidence?”Speers: “You’re not going to rely on evidence?”
Guy:Guy:
What I am going to rely on, David, is making sure that those people are off the streets.What I am going to rely on, David, is making sure that those people are off the streets.
Daniel Andrews says he is concerned about victims of crime, but we need to reduce crime by making other investments to give young people better options. He doesn’t acknowledge the violent crime rate but points out that crime in Victoria has fallen for the past five quarters. It’s still higher than it was when he was elected.Daniel Andrews says he is concerned about victims of crime, but we need to reduce crime by making other investments to give young people better options. He doesn’t acknowledge the violent crime rate but points out that crime in Victoria has fallen for the past five quarters. It’s still higher than it was when he was elected.
Andrews:Andrews:
If you cut Tafe, you will end up with a higher crime rate … You have got to give people everything they need to make better choices.If you cut Tafe, you will end up with a higher crime rate … You have got to give people everything they need to make better choices.
Sometimes you do have to be tough but you always have to be start.Sometimes you do have to be tough but you always have to be start.
A very emotional start, with a question on neonatal intensive care beds from a woman named Jodie.A very emotional start, with a question on neonatal intensive care beds from a woman named Jodie.
Jodie is crying as she says:Jodie is crying as she says:
Imagine your wives at 24 weeks’ pregnant being told you have to go interstate to give birth because there is no neonatal intensive care beds available.Imagine your wives at 24 weeks’ pregnant being told you have to go interstate to give birth because there is no neonatal intensive care beds available.
Daniel Andrews says he has committed $560m to upgrading Frankston hospital, which will be the biggest suburban hospital rebuild in the state and add 120 new beds. It will include a special care nursery and some neonatal intensive care beds – he can’t say how many.Daniel Andrews says he has committed $560m to upgrading Frankston hospital, which will be the biggest suburban hospital rebuild in the state and add 120 new beds. It will include a special care nursery and some neonatal intensive care beds – he can’t say how many.
Matthew Guy speaks next, and he sounds like he is also about to cry. His first son, he says, was born premature, at 27 weeks.Matthew Guy speaks next, and he sounds like he is also about to cry. His first son, he says, was born premature, at 27 weeks.
My wife’s waters broke at 27 weeks with our first, and we were interstate ... We didn’t know what would be with our son, would he suffer any issues, would there be problems with his growth.My wife’s waters broke at 27 weeks with our first, and we were interstate ... We didn’t know what would be with our son, would he suffer any issues, would there be problems with his growth.
He said he had to leave parliament and fly to Brisbane to be with his wife, Renae.He said he had to leave parliament and fly to Brisbane to be with his wife, Renae.
There was an incubator bed, a big one [at Brisbane hospital] and they showed it to us and said your son will come here, this is where he will be born ... They are exceptionally important when parents need them the most.There was an incubator bed, a big one [at Brisbane hospital] and they showed it to us and said your son will come here, this is where he will be born ... They are exceptionally important when parents need them the most.
He says the Coalition will match Frankston hospital funding and fund neonatal intensive care beds in both Frankston and around the state. Again, he can’t say how many.He says the Coalition will match Frankston hospital funding and fund neonatal intensive care beds in both Frankston and around the state. Again, he can’t say how many.
Premier up firstPremier up first
Daniel Andrews won the coin toss and elected to speak first. He says he stood at the leader’s debate four years ago and made a range of promises – removing level crossings, improving ambulance services – and has delivered.Daniel Andrews won the coin toss and elected to speak first. He says he stood at the leader’s debate four years ago and made a range of promises – removing level crossings, improving ambulance services – and has delivered.
He says he is looking forward to answering questions about his “positive and optimistic plan.”He says he is looking forward to answering questions about his “positive and optimistic plan.”
The opposition leader, Matthew Guy, then jumps up, and he is in fine form, almost bouncing on the balls of his feet. He says tonight is not a debate but a discussion, and it’s about the future, not the past.The opposition leader, Matthew Guy, then jumps up, and he is in fine form, almost bouncing on the balls of his feet. He says tonight is not a debate but a discussion, and it’s about the future, not the past.
Now, the audience questions.Now, the audience questions.
The clock is ticking down for the debate. If you want to bone up on the policies before you head in, we have you covered.The clock is ticking down for the debate. If you want to bone up on the policies before you head in, we have you covered.
The front fell offThe front fell off
Speaking of the Liberal party’s Frankston candidate, Michael Lamb, he had the misfortune to be interviewed by David Speers before the leaders’ debate and, like so many politicians faced with Speers’ annoying tendency to request detailed explanations of policy, has fallen in a heap.Speaking of the Liberal party’s Frankston candidate, Michael Lamb, he had the misfortune to be interviewed by David Speers before the leaders’ debate and, like so many politicians faced with Speers’ annoying tendency to request detailed explanations of policy, has fallen in a heap.
The topic at hand was the Coalition’s promise to build a new 500MW power station can provide demand-driven, dispatchable power.The topic at hand was the Coalition’s promise to build a new 500MW power station can provide demand-driven, dispatchable power.
Liberal candidate for Frankston Michael Lamb says his party will get the private industry to build a power station in Victoria, if elected, but admits it will be at least partly taxpayer-funded.MORE: https://t.co/vMF1BfEI9c #Speers pic.twitter.com/8S4kxVdyvILiberal candidate for Frankston Michael Lamb says his party will get the private industry to build a power station in Victoria, if elected, but admits it will be at least partly taxpayer-funded.MORE: https://t.co/vMF1BfEI9c #Speers pic.twitter.com/8S4kxVdyvI
Oh dear this is Clarke and Dawe-esque https://t.co/OlxPCuy7coOh dear this is Clarke and Dawe-esque https://t.co/OlxPCuy7co
This is just a brief excerpt of the exchange:This is just a brief excerpt of the exchange:
Speers: “So the government, the taxpayer, would fund this?”Speers: “So the government, the taxpayer, would fund this?”
Lamb: “No no, it’s private industry.”Lamb: “No no, it’s private industry.”
S: “But they can do that already.”S: “But they can do that already.”
L: “Well they haven’t, they haven’t. The Coalition government will allow them to do it.”L: “Well they haven’t, they haven’t. The Coalition government will allow them to do it.”
S: “But with their own money.”S: “But with their own money.”
L: “Yes.”L: “Yes.”
S: “They’re allowed to do that now.”S: “They’re allowed to do that now.”
L: “But they’re not, though, are they?”L: “But they’re not, though, are they?”
S: “Why not?”S: “Why not?”
L: “Well, I don’t know.”L: “Well, I don’t know.”
S: “So hang on, I’m just confused. What changes?”S: “So hang on, I’m just confused. What changes?”
L: “What changes is we will tender to get the lowest base power we can get to get a power station build.”L: “What changes is we will tender to get the lowest base power we can get to get a power station build.”
S: “So sorry, tender to purchase the power itself?”S: “So sorry, tender to purchase the power itself?”
L: “No to build the power station.”L: “No to build the power station.”
S: “But you’re not building it.”S: “But you’re not building it.”
L: “No the private sector will.”L: “No the private sector will.”
S: “OK, so. But the private sector can go and build a power station today.”S: “OK, so. But the private sector can go and build a power station today.”
L: “But they haven’t though, have they? They haven’t been allowed to under this government.”L: “But they haven’t though, have they? They haven’t been allowed to under this government.”
S: “I’m a little confused.”S: “I’m a little confused.”
So are we, David, and so is Lamb.So are we, David, and so is Lamb.
To clarify: the Coalition proposal is to tender the electricity contract for public services and hospitals to an energy provider that builds the new power station, so there will be a built-in purchase contract.To clarify: the Coalition proposal is to tender the electricity contract for public services and hospitals to an energy provider that builds the new power station, so there will be a built-in purchase contract.
I asked the opposition’s energy spokesman, David Southwick, if the Coalition would either contribute to the cost of the station or structure the contract to provide a set service fee that would allow the new station to bid into the wholesale electricity market at below cost to drive down prices; he said no.I asked the opposition’s energy spokesman, David Southwick, if the Coalition would either contribute to the cost of the station or structure the contract to provide a set service fee that would allow the new station to bid into the wholesale electricity market at below cost to drive down prices; he said no.
Perhaps Lamb should stick to discussing crime policy, provided it doesn’t involve local cafe owners.Perhaps Lamb should stick to discussing crime policy, provided it doesn’t involve local cafe owners.
Please @ mePlease @ me
If you are watching the debate at home or in the audience, please let us know your thoughts either on Twitter or in the comments — I’m on Twitter @callapilla.If you are watching the debate at home or in the audience, please let us know your thoughts either on Twitter or in the comments — I’m on Twitter @callapilla.
Also, if you’re wondering where the Greens leader, Samantha Ratnam, is on stage tonight, she was not invited – it’s premier v potential premier only. If you are interested in learning more about Ratnam, my colleague Luke Henriques-Gomes sat down with her earlier in the campaign. You can read his profile here:Also, if you’re wondering where the Greens leader, Samantha Ratnam, is on stage tonight, she was not invited – it’s premier v potential premier only. If you are interested in learning more about Ratnam, my colleague Luke Henriques-Gomes sat down with her earlier in the campaign. You can read his profile here:
Good evening and welcome to our coverage of the leader’s debate for the Victorian election. The premier, Daniel Andrews, and the opposition leader, Matthew Guy, are set to go head-to-head at the Frankston arts centre at 8pm, on a debate moderated by Sky News political editor David Speers.Good evening and welcome to our coverage of the leader’s debate for the Victorian election. The premier, Daniel Andrews, and the opposition leader, Matthew Guy, are set to go head-to-head at the Frankston arts centre at 8pm, on a debate moderated by Sky News political editor David Speers.
The debate is being hosted by and broadcast on Sky News and is set to run for an hour. People have been filing in to the audience for the past two hours, walking past this diverse buffet of protesters – a bevy of lobsters, reminding voters of that time Guy went to a fundraiser at a lobster restaurant that was also attended by a man with alleged but strenuously denied mafia ties, and one solitary and frankly terrifying lamb, for Frankston Liberal candidate and local senior sergeant Michael Lamb.The debate is being hosted by and broadcast on Sky News and is set to run for an hour. People have been filing in to the audience for the past two hours, walking past this diverse buffet of protesters – a bevy of lobsters, reminding voters of that time Guy went to a fundraiser at a lobster restaurant that was also attended by a man with alleged but strenuously denied mafia ties, and one solitary and frankly terrifying lamb, for Frankston Liberal candidate and local senior sergeant Michael Lamb.
So buckle in, tuck in your seafood bib or political apron of choice, and let’s get under way.So buckle in, tuck in your seafood bib or political apron of choice, and let’s get under way.
One lonely Liberal lamb trying to outplay Labor’s lobster brigade at Frankston. pic.twitter.com/J0FvCkthpcOne lonely Liberal lamb trying to outplay Labor’s lobster brigade at Frankston. pic.twitter.com/J0FvCkthpc