ABC locks in first free-to-air leaders' debate of 2025 federal election

The ABC will host the first free-to-air leaders' debate of the 2025 federal election, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton set to go head-to-head in prime time.

The debate will take place live from ABC Parramatta studios at 8:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, 16 April, marking a key media moment in the campaign’s early phase.

David Speers, the ABC's national political lead.

Speers to moderate live showdown

The debate will be moderated by David Speers, the ABC's national political lead and host of Insiders.

The format includes opening and closing statements from each leader, equal time for responses, and no advance notice of the topics or questions, selected exclusively by the ABC.

"This will be a gimmick-free debate, focused on the major challenges facing Australia at a critical time, and where the two leaders stand," said Speers.

"The aim is to give voters an opportunity to hear the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader discuss their competing visions for the country and genuinely debate each other.

"My commitment is to give both leaders fair treatment and an opportunity to make their case."

Speers brings decades of political reporting experience to the role. He first moderated a leaders’ debate in 2007, between John Howard and Kevin Rudd, and has since guided numerous high-stakes election forums and debates.

The leader's debate between John Howard and Kevin Rudd back in 2007.

Full-scale national rollout

The debate will be broadcast live on ABC TV, simulcast on the ABC NEWS Channel, streamed on ABC iview, and made available on demand. It will also air across ABC Local Radio, Radio National, ABC NewsRadio, and the ABC Listen app.

ABC director of news, Justin Stevens, said the broadcaster's national footprint gives all Australians access: "The ABC’s election coverage is built on putting the public at the centre of our thinking. It's terrific the leaders will be appearing on the national public broadcaster and talking directly to as many Australians as possible."

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