The campaign planes are heading off and so will I.
Thank you for your company. Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I will be back in the morning for the first day of the second week of the campaign.
Until then.
Chief political correspondent Mark Kenny has filed this take on the debate - he describes it largely "drab".
Harsh.
The Age's political editor, Michael Gordon, writes in his analysis that both leaders appeared underprepared but that it was not the decisive Mr Rudd needed to reenergise his campaign as he heads into the second week with opinion polls showing he is lagging behind Mr Abbott.
In the first week of the campaign Labor spent a lot of time trying to suggest the Coalition has a secret plan to extend the GST to food (the Coalition has consistently denied this).
In tonight's debate Mr Abbott again denied it was on the agenda. The video is available below.
Abbott rules out raising the GST
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott denies any potential changes to the GST during Sunday night's leaders debate.
PT4M20S http://www.smh.com.au/action/externalEmbeddedPlayer?id=d-2rq75 620 349 August 11, 2013- Autoplay OnOff
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Mr Abbott's view of how he went:
Pleased with tonight's debate. If you want a new way, you've got to choose a new government #realchange #AusVotes
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) August 11, 2013
Another person who thought he should have been included:
Tonight's #debate was so boring between @KRuddMP and @TonyAbbottMHR. No new ideas. Little difference between these parties #AusPol
— Clive Palmer (@CliveFPalmer) August 11, 2013
Both teams are now pulling up stumps bound for goodness knows where.
One week down, four to go.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd departs after the debate at the National Press Club in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
That might not have been the most robust encounter between Mr Rudd and Abbott but that does not mean they will stop arguing about the format of any further debates during the campaign.
Mr Rudd wants a debate each Sunday night of the campaign. Mr Abbott wants another two meetings but with a more of a town hall, community meeting feel.
At the moment there is no agreement to do anything else.
Labor had a sub campaign regarding same sex marriage ready to go as soon as Mr Rudd made his commitment to the timing of his bill.
It uses one of the most famous Australian political slogan - it's time (the twitter handle is @ItsTimeAus). The bio says: "Never before in Australian history has a Prime Minister stood for marriage equality for all Australians. get behind this campaign to make it happen!"
Same sex marriage is one of the issues on which there is a clear difference between the major parties. I also think it's one of the those issues on which politicians are behind community sentiment.
But is it a vote changer? Labor obviously thinks so because it used the debate to raise the issue.
If you need to look back on the key moments of the debate you can do so here.
Getting back to the notes issue (which illustrates that the debate did not give us a huge amount of new material to discuss) - what is anyone going to do? Disqualify Mr Rudd after the fact?
Mr Rudd won the "getting back on to twitter fastest" prize:
Legislation for marriage equality within 100 days of the election with full conscience vote. I believe this is the right thing to do. KRudd
— Kevin Rudd (@KRuddMP) August 11, 2013
There were 75,000 tweets about the debate as it happened - I love participatory democracy.
The peak moment came at 7.25pm when the discussion about same sex marriage happened. There were 1,952 tweets per minute.
People who watch these things tell me there were 27,000 tweets about Mr Abbott and 20,000 tweets about Mr Rudd.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is embraced by his wife Therese Rein and daughter Jessica after the leaders debate in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Was Mr Rudd reading from notes?
Yes, say people inside the venue.
This is against the rules but maybe the rule is silly.
Notes prevent the speaker from looking at the voter (through the camera) and connecting with the voter is about debates such as these are all about.
This goes to either Mr Rudd's preparedness or his nerves.
Mr Abbott did not use notes. He also looked at Mr Rudd more and tried to engage him whereas Mr Rudd either looked down or at the camera.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd departs after the debate in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Well it wasn't exactly a rip snorter was it? (And I'm a fan of debates.) Was there anything in there that would change your mind about your vote?
My two cents' worth - both leaders were solid but nothing more.
Mr Rudd had something a smidge new to say (the timing of a same sex marriage bill) but since he already declared himself in favour earlier this year then that would not come as much of a surprise.
But I thought his deferral on the issue of Sydney airport was silly. Yes, it's not the only airport in Sydney but it is a hugely important issue that has been dragging on for too long.
Mr Abbott did not announce anything but he was consistent and built on the arguments he had made during the past week.
So who do you think won?
Closing statements.
Mr Rudd ticks off his list of catch phrases - "a new way of politics" and "not putting all our eggs in one basket" when it comes to the economy.
"We believe that the right way forward is to build the new industries of the future," Mr Rudd says, as well as concentrating on education, health, aged care and disability care.
Mr Abbott has had enough of being accused of wanting to increase the GST and having a $70 billion spending black hole.
They are a "fantasy," he says.
And he returns to his top four - a better economy, no more carbon price, no more boats and better infrastructure.
"I believe in our people, I believe in you," Mr Abbott says.
He quotes Robert Menzies: "Australians are lifters, not leaners."
Opposition leader Tony Abbott during the leaders' debate in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Both leaders are asked if they would legislate for same sex marriage in the next term of Parliament.
Mr Rudd says he would have a bill within the first 100 days of Parliament on gay marriage.
"Folk out there want this to happen," Mr Rudd says.
Mr Abbott repeats his position that revising the Coalition's position would be a matter for the party room.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during the leaders debate in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Abbott accuses Mr Rudd of using the "same waffle" that he used against former prime minister John Howard in the 2007 election.
The next question is about reducing climate change emissions.
Mr Abbott is asked whether the Coalition would reduce emissions beyond the five per cent it has already committed to.
"We will deliver the 5 per cent reduction," Mr Abbott says.
"Climate change is central to Australia's future," Mr Rudd says.
"We will be doing a disservice to our kids and grandkids if we do not act......We never doubted the science, unlike some. What really frightens the hell out of me - to be frank - in my home state of Queensland is the effect on the Great Barrier Reef."
If the rest of the world decided to work together to further reduce emissions, would he follow suit, Mr Rudd is asked.
"We have no alternative than to act collaboratively with the rest of the world," he says.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition leader Tony Abbott during the leaders' debate in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Both leaders outline their plans for aged care.
Mr Rudd points to the significant changes Labor made in the area - based on recommendations by the Productivity Commission - earlier this year but says more must be done to attract workers into the area.
Mr Abbott says there is very little difference between the parties in this area.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition leader Tony Abbott during the leaders' debate in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Also uninspired is former Howard government minister Peter Reith:
#debate God this is dull. Forget the worm, we need a slug.
— Peter Reith (@ReithPeterK) August 11, 2013
The next question is about the neverending saga of a second Sydney airport.
Mr Abbott commits to making a decision about a site "within the first term".
Mr Rudd says there is a "massive debate" about Sydney airport but he's from Brisbane so he'd prefer to defer to Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese.
"Sydney airport is not the only airport in the country," Mr Rudd says.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition leader Tony Abbott during the leaders' debate in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Rudd's former press secretary isn't impressed with anything thus far:
If you could bottle this debate so far it would make a great cure for insomnia #youdecide9
— Lachlan Harris (@LachlanFHarris) August 11, 2013
Greens leader Christine Milne:
You cannot grow a stronger economy and not act on global warming. Extreme weather has cost us $10bn over the past 6 years #ausvotes #debate
— Christine Milne (@senatormilne) August 11, 2013
But governments aren't raising enough revenue to cover future spending, the leaders are asked, so what programs would you cut to save money?
Mr Rudd: "We will always keep on open mind" on future spending decisions.
Mr Abbott mentions the school kids bonus as one example of a policy that would go under a Coalition government.
We are at the halfway mark and have already ticked off on three major issues for the campaign - the economy, tax and asylum seekers.
No new information - or even sales pitches - have emerged.
Why should people trust you, is the first question from the panel, given Labor has raised taxes and levies.
Mr Rudd: "Our record on tax as a proportion of the economy is a strong one."
Mr Abbott quotes former prime minister Julia Gillard speaking in favour of lowering company tax as ballast for his own promise to do just that.
"We wouldn't implement any policies that we felt were contrary to a mandate," Mr Abbott says.
Mr Rudd says the problem with turning back boats remains that Indonesia is against the policy.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition leader Tony Abbott during the leaders' debate on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
The next question is about asylum seekers - was it wrong for Labor to dismantle the Howard government's laws from 2007 onwards?
Mr Rudd says policies were changed following the 2007 but there were then changes in the international community including the war in Sri Lanka.
He says with the benefit of hindsight policies would have been adjusted more quickly to deal with those circumstances.
Mr Abbott says a Coalition government would "scramble to salvage" the new arrangement with Papua New Guinea.
"The PNG solution is not what the Prime Minister says it is," Mr Abbott says. "I'm not saying offshore processing isn't important but on it's own it's not enough."
Mr Abbott says there is "no mystery" surround the turn back the boats policy - a Coalition government would do so "where it is safe to do so" and where operational command gives the go ahead.
Mr Abbott points out the GST cannot be changed at the whim of the federal government - the states and territories must also agree.
Mr Rudd wants to know if the GST is not going to be raised then why would it be included in a review of taxation.
"The GST is not going to change," Mr Abbott says. "It is an embarrassing scare campaign."
Where is the money for your policy promises, Mr Abbott?
Mr Abbott replies: "What kept us out of recession was that Mr Rudd inherited a strong economy thanks to Mr Hawke, Mr Keating and Mr Howard."
He promises - again - that the Coalition will release its costings before polling day.
Mr Abbott says he has already identified $17 billion in cuts.
"I deal in facts," Mr Rudd counters and says the Coalition faces a $70 billion "funding gap".
Mr Rudd says it's "legitimate" to ask if the GST will be raised to provide the revenue for Coalition policies.
Mr Abbott says - again - that it is wrong to suggest the Coalition has any such plan.
Mr Rudd is asked if he can understand why people might feel nervous about giving Labor another three years in government given spending is now higher than it was under the Howard government.
Mr Rudd says it is important to invest in Australia so "it did not fall into recession" and prevents "hundreds of thousands of people" from losing their jobs.
Harsh budget cuts are not the way, Mr Rudd says.
"If you want a new way, you've got to choose a new government," Mr Abbott says.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition leader Tony Abbott at the commencement of the debate. Photo: Andrew Meares
Coalition leader Tony Abbott: "This debate is between Mr Rudd and me. But the election is not about Mr Rudd and it's not about me. It's about you, the people of Australia. Who can make your life more secure? Who can make your life better?"
Mr Abbott promises a Coalition government would make the economy stronger, scrap the price on carbon, improve infrastructure and stop the boats.,
"We need a new way forward," Mr Rudd says.
"A new way of politics as well. I can see a great, new way for Australia."
Kevin Rudd begins by saying Australia "is by instinct a positive people".
"That's who we are as Australians...The Australia we know and love has been built by you," Mr Rudd.
"This economy is strong. This election is about the future strength of our economy and how to secure it."
Mr Rudd is stressing Labor's achievements since 2007 including introducing paid parental leave, raising the childcare rebate, keeping Australian away from the worst of the global economic crisis.
But the economy is changing, Mr Rudd warns.
Mr Rudd is wearing a red tie. Mr Abbott is wearing a blue tie.
Only a couple of minutes to go.
Please let me know what you think about the debate as it progressed via our reader comments.
Fairfax Media published this weekend a poll showing the Coalition has pulled ahead of Labor during the first week of the campaign - 52 per cent to 48 per cent.
Mr Abbott has also overtaken Mr Rudd on the question of personal trustworthiness.
Chief political correspondent Mark Kenny wrote about the results here.
Greens leader Christine Milne's request to be included in the debate has knocked back. She will participate via twitter:
I hope that people on Newstart, Youth Allowance or Single Parents support are not ignored tonight. Elephant in the room.#Auspol #debate
— Christine Milne (@senatormilne) August 11, 2013
So what is the format of tonight?
Both leaders will give an opening address of three minutes each. Then the moderator - David Speers - will spend ten minutes or so asking questions of both Mr Rudd and Mr Abbott. This will be followed by the panel asking questions of the leaders.
There is a theory going around the press gallery that because Mr Rudd is behind in the polls (more on that in a moment) he will need to somehow steal the show - either by making an announcement that forces attention on to him or that he will hijack the format by trying to eschew the panel and directly debate Mr Abbott.
Other than the content of the debate both men will have to be careful of their tone - not too aggressive or negative while appearing on top of their subject matter and their opponent.
Show me the money!
That will be a popular refrain tonight as both Mr Rudd and Mr Abbott try to establish their credentials as the better economic manager and to demonstrate that the other's policies will create budget mayhem.
The economy has been the theme of the campaign thus far and shows no signs of going away (particularly with the release of the official pre election economic update on Tuesday).
Mr Abbott said earlier today he would detail the Coalition's costings "well before polling day".
Opposition leader Tony Abbott on Bondi Beach, Sydney, on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Rudd was forced to defend his decision to get rid of two candidates saying he wanted to force a positive politics that is "respectful of people, including their gender".
Victorian candidate Geoff Lake will go amid revelations he verbally abused a woman at a council meeting in 2002. Queensland candidate Ken Robertson will also go after he accused Mr Abbott of being racist.
Reporters Dan Harrison and Chris Johnson have more.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during an interview in Queanbeyan, NSW on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Once upon a time the leaders would have been bunkered down in Canberra for much of the weekend preparing.
But not these days.
Labor leader Kevin Rudd squeezed in a visit to the town of Queanbeyan just over the NSW border (in the bellwether seat of Eden Monaro, held by Labor frontbencher Mike Kelly). Coalition leader Tony Abbott ran in Sydney's famous City2Surf before doing a spot of campaigning on Bondi Beach.
Opposition leader Tony Abbott stretches ahead of City2Surf in Sydney on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The debate will begin at 6.30pm and is being held at the National Press Club in Canberra. It will be moderated by Sky News' political editor David Speers. The panel of journalists is The Sydney Morning Herald's political editor, Peter Hartcher, The Daily Telegraph's Simon Benson and ABC television's Lyndal Curtis. (Both camps have to approve the members of the panel.)
A coin toss was held at 2pm to decide which leader will speak first. Neither leader was present but they were represented by their parties' campaign directors - Labor's George Wright and the Coalition's Brian Loughnane. Mr Wright won so Kevin Rudd will speak first.
Maurice ReillyCEO of the National Press Club, tosses the coin for Labor campaign director George Wright and Coalition campaign director Brian Loughnane. Photo: Andrew Meares
Good evening and welcome to a mini blog of the first (and possibly only) debate between the Labor and Coalition leaders.
The stage is set.
Final preparations are applied to the set for the leaders' debate at the National Press Club in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Meares
