As the election campaign enters its final week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton face a challenging landscape, with the Coalition struggling to gain traction against Labor.

Recent polling indicates that Labor is leading the Coalition 52 to 48 percent on a two-party-preferred basis, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment.

Despite the favorable polls, Albanese warns the Labor Party against complacency as they approach the May 3 federal election.

The upcoming Great Debate, scheduled for today, coincides with the start of pre-polling, where about one-third of voters are expected to cast their ballots early.

In a bid to bolster his campaign, Dutton has unveiled a $750 million crime-fighting initiative, which includes a National Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme and enhanced drug screening capabilities.

This crime package also proposes national laws to criminalize the sharing of criminal activity on social media, introducing penalties that could include a maximum two-year ban from these platforms.

Additionally, Dutton's campaign includes plans to upgrade the Calder Freeway in Melbourne, a project that will move forward regardless of the election outcome due to bipartisan funding commitments.

Meanwhile, the Fair Work Commission is reviewing a proposal from business groups that suggests allowing workers to trade penalty rates for a 25 percent pay increase.

The Coalition's stance on foreign aid is under scrutiny, with church leaders urging the party to maintain current funding levels amid uncertainties regarding their future plans.

Dutton has faced criticism for his campaign's messaging, with observers noting that he has struggled to effectively communicate his identity and policies compared to Albanese's successful narrative.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has commented on the Liberal Party's challenges, highlighting Dutton's public image and the party's nuclear policy as factors that may be negatively impacting voter sentiment.

In a further indication of shifting dynamics, Labor's primary vote has risen to 34 percent, the highest since January 2025, while the Coalition's primary vote has decreased to 35 percent.