The second live television debate between the leaders will take place exclusively on SKY NEWS with a focus on Queensland issues.
The “People’s forum” will be held on Friday May 3 with Political Editor David Spears in Brisbane in front of 100 undecided voters, who will have the opportunity to question Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. The debate comes less than a week after Seven’s television event which will be held in Perth.
Paul Whittaker, Chief Executive of Sky News, said in a statement to The Australian that it was;
“appropriate that the most highly anticipated debate of this campaign was being held in Brisbane, where the Coalition is under intense pressure to hold 21 of the 30 federal parliamentary seats up for grabs at next month’s election”.
News Corporation’s local paper in Queensland, The Courier-Mail, is co-headlining the event with Sky News. The papers editor, Sam Weir, said;
“It’s an essential opportunity for voters from all around Queensland to put our political leaders to the test on the issues that really matter to their lives,” he said.
“Queensland is the key battleground of this election and, with so many marginal seats at stake, who holds power from May 18 will be decided by voters in the Sunshine State.”
Political Editor David Speers believes the format of this event will place extra pressure on Morrison and Shorten, saying;
“The leaders can’t hide or dodge. They’ll have to convince a room of undecided voters why they deserve to be Prime Minister,” he said.
“These forums have been pivotal in recent election campaigns and give everyone a fascinating look at who’s really up to the job.”
Co-Creator and Editor of the TV Blackbox website, Robert McKnight is highly regarded Australian Television Producer, he has worked at SEVEN, NINE and TEN, and is most well-known for creating and producing STUDIO 10. Currently Rob is the host and producer of the TV Blackbox, McKnight Tonight and Monsters Who Murder podcasts.
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