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Day 36 of the federal election campaign

Staff WritersAAP
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese at an early learning centre in Perth.
Camera IconOpposition Leader Anthony Albanese at an early learning centre in Perth. Credit: AAP

FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN: DAY 36

WHERE THE LEADERS CAMPAIGNED

* Prime Minister Scott Morrison: Brisbane (Blair)

* Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese: Perth (Swan, Hasluck, Pearce)

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WHAT THE COALITION WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

* Their plan to allow first home buyers to take 40 per cent of their superannuation up to $50,000 to buy a house, as well as an expansion of the superannuation contribution scheme for people who are downsizing their primary residence to free up housing stock.

WHAT LABOR WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

* Labor's $150 million package for a Perth surgery centre which would be jointly funded by the federal and state governments. The centre would have six new surgical theatres, two new procedure rooms, a 24-bed surgical ward and a new central sterilisation services department.

WHAT MADE NEWS:

* Superannuation Minister Jane Hume conceded the government's proposed housing policy would temporarily increase prices. The prime minister denied this, saying the scheme would work in combination with proposals to increase supply which would make prices go down.

* Independent MP Andrew Wilkie tested positive for COVID-19.

* Mr Morrison has defended the handling of the AUKUS negotiations after reports he misled the US on the level of bipartisanship.

* Conservative political lobby group Advance Australia was found to be in breach of federal electoral laws over their campaign signs depicting two independent candidates as Greens.

* Crossbench MPs Adam Bandt, Zali Steggall, Craig Kelly and Rex Patrick took part in a forum at the National Press Club in Canberra.

WHAT THEY SAID:

"This was a process that, for 18 months, painstakingly working through incredible detail, incredibly sensitive issues, highly confidential. This wasn't something I was going to be loose with."

- Mr Morrison suggesting the Labor Party could have leaked the AUKUS security arrangement with the United States and United Kingdom.

"I have national security briefings all the time. What this prime minister always does is put his political interests first before the national interest, it's always about the politics."

- Mr Albanese on the prime minister's AUKUS comments.

THE SUPPORT CAST:

"I do have issues of trust with the prime minister ... Like the French president, I have major issues as to the style of leadership that he has allowed to develop in the current coalition."

- Independent MP Zali Steggall on how important personality was in determining who she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

"Most Australians when they heard that ... shook their head and realised this bloke is not telling them the truth. I had someone at pre-poll on the weekend say to me that just reminded them of a bad ex-boyfriend who promised to be different next time."

- Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare on the prime minister's promise to change his leadership style if the coalition is re-elected.

"Debates are supposed to be a competition of ideas not a competition of insults and sadly that's what's been happening throughout this campaign."

- Independent senator Rex Patrick who joined other crossbenchers in criticising the three leaders' debates in the campaign.

TWEETED:

"Three years since we lost Bob. Bob Hawke was big, bold and brave. Medicare, the economy, the Accord, the environment, Australia's place in the world - he changed our nation for the better. We miss him every day."

- Labor education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek paying tribute to former prime minister Bob Hawke on the anniversary of his death.

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