The leaders debate.Credit:Pool/Tony Gough
The two parties may have attempted a similar strategy going into the debate,but it favoured Labor as Guy missed opportunities to capitalise on what pollsters believe is Labor’s Achilles’ heel:Daniel Andrews.
The Coalition will take heart from the fact that Andrews faced a barrage of questions about the state’s growing debt burden,which appears to be worrying undecided voters. Perhaps it is evidence that the Coalition’s line – that Victoria’s net debt is forecast to be higher than the combined debt of NSW,Queensland and Tasmania – is working.
The quick-speaking Guy managed to dial down his inherent fury and tended to be better on questions about the economy,as well as delivering succinct rebuttals to some of Andrews’ broad promises.
While appearing likeable,Guy at times seemed on edge and struggled to find the right words tosell his policies. Andrews’ incumbency meant he was calmer and more confident than the opposition leader,which allowed him to show off his leadership credentials to promote his health,education and energy policies.
The only flashpoint of the night came when Andrews was asked whether he would retract claims that the Coalition’s gas plan would pave the way for fracking in Victoria. Guy tried to capitalise on the moment by remaining quiet while Andrews butted in to accuse him of dishonesty,and it worked.
The absence of questions on the pandemic played to the government’s advantage.