Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have engaged in their second debate of the 2025 Federal Election campaign, but who was watching?

TV ratings suggested the debate was the third most watched program last night, but an Instagram poll by Western Independent has revealed that of 155 people surveyed, only 42 knew the debate was even happening, with 113 respondents left in political darkness.

Is this evidence of political disengagement among young people, or are election debates becoming a thing of the past?

Freelance journalist Mark Naglazas reported on a lively local debate in Fremantle last night, featuring most of the candidates for the seat. He believes debates can still be an important part of the campaign process.

“One of the candidates who did not have a huge social media presence took the microphone and spoke very strongly, even swaying some voters in the audience. Another who is quite active on social media struggled. This demonstration shows why face-to-face communication is so important,” he says.

A representative for Fremantle independent candidate Kate Hullet told Western Independent it’s what happens outside the debate room that matters.

He said there’s too many ways to utilise social media and its reach, that the idea of a classic townhall debate has become insignificant in the campaign process.

WA youth media network Youth Jam‘s chief executive Isaac Mulcrone says the lack of party diversity in televised debates isn’t an issue.

“Yes, it is unfair that it is only the major parties that can access televised debates, but we both know that [minor parties] aren’t going to form a majority government. They may still play a significant role if Labor cannot form a majority, but that’s the extent of it. It’s ‘Albo’ or Dutton. That’s why they need to be on TV,” he says.

Despite this, Ms Hulett’s representative suggests being locked into televised debates is behind the times, and the major parties who use these televised campaigns aren’t doing themselves any favours, as they are too mediated and don’t allow the candidate to express themselves properly. He also suggests they only exist to serve the media organisations who run them, and don’t do enough to impact the final outcome to be worthwhile.

Two more leaders debates have been scheduled for April 22 and April 27, respectively.