The Victorian Labor Premier, John Brumby, and the Liberal Opposition Leader, Ted Baillieu, have debated each other tonight in the only televised encounter of the 2010 state election.
Watch the debate broadcast on ABC-TV (59m):
The one hour debate was a lacklustre event, enlivened by a scrap over Greens preferences. Baillieu insisted that Brumby announce whether the ALP would preference the Greens, whilst Brumby said it was only Liberal preferences that were likely to elect Greens’ candidates.
Baillieu argued that Labor has presided over an increase in violent crime and problems in transport, children in care, and hospitals. He said government debt, waste and mismanagement had to be reined in.
Brumby said they key issue was “who will keep the jobs coming”, arguing that his government’s focus on education and infrastructure was the key “to meeting the challenges of the times ahead”. Brumby said he offered strong leadership and stability.
Brumby and Baillieu meet in Victorian election debate
- Listen to the debate (58 mins)
