Defining televised Leader debate for State Election
The writs are issued, the battlelines drawn and SA’s two political leaders will go head-to-head in the most defining debate of the election campaign.
The SA Press Club is teaming with the SA Business Chamber for the first televised debate of the 2026 campaign between Labor’s stalwart Peter Malinauskas and new Liberal leader Ashton Hurn.
In front of a guaranteed sellout lunchtime live audience, they’ll be put through their paces at Adelaide Oval eight days out from the state election.
Malinauskas is a veteran of such debates, while Hurn is a newcomer to the big stage event which will be televised live on ABC TV, radio and streamed on other social media platforms from 12.30pm on Friday, March 13.
Every major topic affecting South Australians will be thrashed out under strict debating rules.
Broken promises, expensive projects, lavish sporting coups, leadership changes and how both leaders see themselves and the other will be explored over an intense hour.
With Labor surging ahead in opinion polls and the onward charge of One Nation, the leaders will face many moments-of-truth of what they’ve done well and where they’ve fallen short of the mark.
SA Press Club president and ABC Adelaide Radio Mornings presenter Rory McClaren will moderate the debate which he sees as the ideal showcase to view the leaders as they face the final, crucial week of campaigning.
“I’ll be asking the same questions that every South Australian is asking themselves,” McClaren said.
“Where and how do the leaders want to take this great state forward over the next four years?
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“Career defining slip ups and mistakes can occur in the last week of campaigning, so the timing of this debate is critical.
“It’s well known that exceptional public performances can also shape the trajectory of a campaign, so don’t miss this.”
A team of experienced political commentators – including InDaily editor Belinda Willis – will adjudicate the debate and pick the performances apart with their result providing a positive slant for the winner and making life harder for the loser.
Limited tickets to the lunch and debate are still available through the SA Business Chamber and SA Press Club websites.
