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Aussie PM pushes for first ever online leaders' debate ahead of federal election

Xinhua, June 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday announced plans for the first ever online leaders' debate, to be held on social media website Facebook and hosted by News Corp's News.com.au.

The Prime Minister has challenged Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to join him online, as it would enable "millions" of Australians to track and follow the debate.

He said Australians would be able to use laptop and smartphones to access the debate, in what he described as the first step towards an "innovative" Australia.

"(I) have reached an agreement with, subject to Mr Shorten participation, Facebook and News.com.au to hold the first online leaders' debate," Turnbull told reporters on Tuesday.

"We've had a Sky News people's forum debate, the traditional Press Club debate, it is traditional to have three debates, so let's have the third one in an innovative way and that every Australian can participate in.

"We are in 2016, this is the 21st century and this is the time of innovation. This is the most exciting time to be an Australian and to participate in an election debate in the media of our time."

Turnbull said hosting a third debate on Sky News would shut to door to millions of Australians without pay TV services, and this new format would allow the majority of the voting population to take in the leaders' points.

Shorten is yet to accept the prime minister's offer, but is likely to agree to the terms.

There is no date set for the online debate, but Turnbull is pushing for it to be held early next week. Endit