Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had announced on Sunday, Aug 4, 2013, that the federal election will happen on Sept 7, 2013.

As he made his announcements, Mr Rudd employed the "underdog" tactic appealing largely on the emotions of the voters, saying that his chances of staying power will be difficult in spite being in the seat of power.

As for the entire Australian Labor Party, it will focus on the economy, health and education.

Challenge for a Weekly Debate

In the wake of the upcoming election, Mr Rudd challenged rival Tony Abbott for a debate every Sunday up until the electoral day. He said that Mr Abbott seemed to secretive of his policy platform for it not be under the scrutiny of voters and rivals.

In a report from The Australian, Mr Rudd revealed that Sky News had personally requested for a campaign debate between him Mr Abbott to be facilitated by David Speers. With this, Mr Rudd all called on other television networks to "pick a Sunday each" for separate debates.

"Most of us have been leaders of the opposition wait for the day when the sitting prime minister would say, 'Hey, let's have debate. But he hasn't'. And there's a reason for it. Mr Abbott is uncomfortable with policy," Mr Rudd said.

In response to this, Liberal Party Federal Director Brian Loughnane penned a letter to Australian Labor Party National Secretary George Wright. Mr George said that the debate should happen on Sunday afternoon, Aug 11, 2013 at the National Press Club. He also requested for the debate to be followed by a forum at the Rooty Hill RSL. The forum should allow people to ask question directly to Mr Rudd.

"Both leaders would have the opportunity to provide opening remarks before taking questions from a panel of representatives selected from the national press gallery. Each leader would also have an opportunity to respond to each other's responses, and provide a closing statement," Mr Loughnane said.

Meanwhile, Greens Leader Christine Milne appealed that the Green Party should also be included in the debate, upholding that all parties "ought to have the opportunity to put their ideas forward."

Abbott Hinted on Hung Parliament

Mr Abbott made the bold statement that if votes turned out in favour of a hung parliament, then he will back out from taking the seat of the prime ministership, The Age reported.

"There's a commitment that I want to give you ... There will not be deals done with independents and minor parties under any political movement that I lead. It there is a hung parliament, there won't be a Coalition government led by Tony Abbott," Mr Abbott said.

Mr Abbott sold himself a "more fair dinkum" than Mr Rudd saying that Sept 7 gave voters a choice between his "positive plans" and "more of the same" under Labor.

"Mr Rudd talked about who do you trust. Well it's really about who is more fair dinkum. Who can you rely to build a better future? Do you really want three more years like the last six years?" Mr Abbott said.