Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Leaders agree to Australia’s first online election debate

Leaders agree to Australia's first online election debate | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this May, 29, 2016 file photo, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, left, and opposition leader Bill Shorten shake hands as they arrive for the leaders' debate at the National Press Club in Canberra. Turnbull said Tuesday, June 7 that he had reached an agreement with Facebook and News Corp. Australia to stream the debate early next week in a bid to reach more voters. Shorten later agreed to participate. (Tracey Nearmy/Pool Photo via AP, File)

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia’s prime minister and opposition leader have agreed to hold the country’s first-ever online election campaign leaders’ debate.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Tuesday that he had reached an agreement with Facebook and News Corp. Australia to stream the debate early next week in a bid to reach more voters. Opposition leader Bill Shorten later agreed to participate.

Australian election campaigns traditionally feature three televised leaders’ debates. Turnbull and Shorten have so far participated in two TV debates ahead of the July 2 election.

Turnbull said Facebook and News.com.au are the platforms from which many Australians get most of their news. Other interested websites and broadcasters will also be able to show the debate.

“I’m very excited by it and look forward to it really engaging the wider Australian community,” Turnbull told reporters.

He said the debate would allow the audience to interact in a way that traditional media could not.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles