Leaders agree to Australia's first online election debate
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this May, 29, 2016 file photo, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, left, and opposition leader Bill Shorten shake hands as they arrive for the leaders' debate at the National Press Club in Canberra. Turnbull said Tuesday, June 7 that he had reached an agreement with Facebook and News Corp. Australia to stream the debate early next week in a bid to reach more voters. Shorten later agreed to participate. (Tracey Nearmy/Pool Photo via AP, File) (The Associated Press)
Australia's prime minister and opposition leader have agreed to hold the country's first-ever online election campaign leaders' debate.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Tuesday that he had reached an agreement with Facebook and News Corp. Australia to stream the debate early next week in a bid to reach more voters. Opposition leader Bill Shorten later agreed to participate.
Australian election campaigns traditionally feature three televised leaders' debates. Turnbull and Shorten have so far participated in two TV debates ahead of the July 2 election.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Turnbull said Facebook and News.com.au are the platforms from which many Australians get most of their news. Other interested websites and broadcasters will also be able to show the debate.