Mark Riley: 7 News political editor ahead of the Australian leaders' debate - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton are set to face off in the first election debate of the campaign.

The debate is set to air on Sky News at 9:30pm (NZT) - and both leaders will be looking to boost up their campaigns and showcase their policies.

7 News political editor Mark Riley says opposition leaders stand to gain more from debates - and the pressure's on for Dutton.

"Campaigns are all about momentum - and if you can get what you believe is a shift in momentum from a debate and then ride it into the campaign proper, it can have a material impact." 

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