TRANSCRIPT
PM: "I've got a soft spot for the Tigers as well, of course."
HOST: "Oh, good man."
PM: "I represent Leichhardt there, so I'm cheering for the Tigers. Except when they play the Mighty Rabbits."
A soft spot for the Wests Tigers - and a soft spot for Western Sydney, which is a crucial battleground.
So the Prime Minister was talking about football on Triple M, while Peter Dutton was filling up at the bowser to promote his signature cost of living policy of temporarily cutting the fuel excise.
"Here's 25 cents. That's 50 cents. Let's keep going. 25 cents every litre."
Both leaders have also pitched their vision for Sydney’s fastest-growing region at a conference held at Blacktown Workers Club.
Labor has promised $120 million for a maternity ward at Rouse Hill Hospital.
Mr Albanese says he is focusing on families.
"A core part of that future is preparing for the generations to come – by getting childcare right, by getting schooling right, and of course by giving the best options for the beginning of life."
The Coalition has been clear about targeting the outer suburbs this campaign, and is pledging $230 million for new roads in Western Sydney.
Peter Dutton is focusing on the economy to appeal to voters: ...
"We need to reduce inflation. By doing that, we can bring down prices across the economy. We can stop wasteful spending."
... he's also outlining the savings he says would come from his gas reservation plan.
"We're saying with our gas plan, we'll bring down the price of gas by 15 per cent. Gas is a key ingredient in the production of electricity."
Anthony Albanese dropped into Cabramatta Public School in the seat of Fowler to the sound of screaming children.
Former New South Wales Premier and Labor Senator, Kristina Keneally, was parachuted into the safe seat in the last election, which Labor then lost for the first time in the seat's 40-year history to local independent Dai Le.
Mr Albanese says that choice of candidate was the wrong decision.
"On Fowler. We, of course, I acknowledge and said that at the time. That's not the first time I've said that. That was an error. I thought it was an error."
This time, there's another independent threat - with many in the West not happy with Labor's response to Gaza.
Two candidates in the area have been endorsed by The Muslim Vote group, which is it says is focused on 'Justice for Palestine'.
Ahmed Ouf is contesting the seat of Blaxland, currently held by Education Minister Jason Clare, and Dr Ziad Basyouny is contesting Watson, held by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Over a quarter of the voters in the two seats are Muslim, with 15 per cent of residents having Lebanese ancestry.
Dr Basyouny says the area has been overlooked by major parties.
"People are disappointed, feeling a bit taken for granted by both sides of politics. That's why I'm running, to try make sure the two big boys include Western Sydney in their plans."
The Prime Minister has also announced an instant asset write-off for small businesses, capped at $20,000 - not the $30,000 of the Coalition's offer which is also permanent.
Andrew McKellar, from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says it should go further.
"Really, this should be something which is made permanent in the tax system. So the instant asset write-off is something that is valuable to small businesses, it can encourage investment, but it's only going to be fully effective if it's set at the highest possible rate."
