Anthony Albanese and Bill Shorten are taking part in the first of three debates as part of the campaign for the leadership of the federal Labor Party.
In his opening statement, Mr Shorten said he was running on a platform of party, policies and people.
“How do we ensure that our movement, our party, is able to help be relevant to the lives of Australians?” Mr Shorten said.
Mr Albanese said he was campaigning on vision, unity and strength.
Both used their speeches to restate their support for a price on carbon and for a strong national broadband network.
Mr Albanese said the economy was “carbon constrained”.
“That is why the price on carbon is critical,” he said.
Mr Shorten said that, if he was prime minister, he would be the “PM for the powerless”.
“Speaking up for the victims, speaking up for the powerless, speaking up for the people who don’t have power in society,” he said.
