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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull meets members of the public in the forum after the debate with Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/News Corp.
It was the first head to head of the election campaign, but nothing was going to stop Windsor RSL from it’s Friday night raffle.
As Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition leader Bill Shorten faced off from 7pm in a private room at the suburban club on Sydney’s western outskirts, the dulcet tones of the raffle call were pitched in competition.
Earlier the pair dodged about 60 protesters, who rallied outside the club in the Liberal-held seat of Macquarie ahead of the debate, chanting and booing hours before the two men arrived.
Turnbull and Shorten dodged about 60 protesters who rallied outside the club. Picture: Kym SmithSource:News Corp Australia
Most were concerned about local issues such as Sydney’s second airport and heritage listings, but others were their to protest over environmental policies and housing affordability.
Both leaders arrived at the venue about one hour before the debate, and entered in the back door under heavy security.
Inside the RSL journalists and political staffers mingled with the locals as television presenters continued their live broadcast in the bistro.
Wearing a bright pink blazer, Mr Shorten’s wife Chloe sat at the back of the room with Labor staff watching on as her husband appeared on stage.
Chloe Shorten watches husband Bill Shorten participate in a Leaders Forum at Windsor RSL. Picture: AAP/Mick TsikasSource:AAP
Ms Shorten hit the hustings with her husband this week, joining him on his birthday to campaign in Queensland.
Mr Turnbull was supported by daughter Daisy and the pair hugged at the debate’s end.
The two leaders fielded a range of questions on tax, funding for health and education, childcare and superannuation.
Mr Turnbull, who has visited five states in six days, appeared a little tired but connected with the audience by using first names and making strong eye contact with people who asked questions.
By contrast, Mr Shorten looked more relaxed and spoke to the whole room, moving around the stage but also referring to notes he had made during questioning.
The Labor leader delivered a few of his infamous one-liners which made the audience laugh.
Wearing a dark suit and blue tie, the Prime Minister was at his best when speaking about his family, particularly his grandchildren, using it as a way to connect with the audience.
After the event both leaders mingled with the public, Mr Turnbull even took down phone numbers and email addresses to follow upon some issues.