Facebook Live to host first online political debate in Australia

Facebook Live plans to be front and centre during Australia's election campaign.

On Tuesday, news.com.au announced it would be hosting the first online leader's debate in the country in partnership with Facebook.

Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, Malcolm Turnbull, challenged his competitor and leader of the Labor Party, Bill Shorten, to a debate on a product that screams innovation. 

"This is the most exciting time to be an Australian and to participate in an election debate in the media of our time," Turnbull told the media on Tuesday. Smart play, Turnbull. 

The prime minister said the platform could be used to reach millions of Australians and called on Shorten to agree to the debate. Not long after, Shorten was on board. No date has been set but it could be held as early as next week.

"These are the platforms that many people, many would say most Australians, see most of their media on, most of their news, and I think it's important that we have an innovative election and that we use the platforms that Australians use," Turnbull told news.com.au.

There are normally three official debates held during the election campaign between the leaders of the two major parties before the election, which has been called for July 2. 

The first debate was held at the Sky News People's Forum in western Sydney, the second one at the National Press Club and the third one was expected to be held by Sky News in Queensland. 

Turnbull turned down the third Sky News debate in favour of the Facebook Live debate, with someone in government finally getting the memo that the people are on the Internet. 

It's no Chewbacca woman, but it's a step in the right direction.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.