Mr Dutton pounced when the controversial ex-premier was mentioned at a press conference on Tuesday, saying he would love to see “Daniel Andrews out with the prime minister every day between now and the election”.
“If there’s a spare seat there as well, why not Jacinta Allan?” he added.
“What’s happened under Daniel Andrews, what’s happening under Jacinta Allan, it’s an economic trainwreck, and Victorians know it, and they’re angry about it.”
Mr Dutton’s comments come as both leaders shut up shop for the day, with Mr Albanese confirming he would not front the press again on Tuesday and would spend the rest of the afternoon immersed in preparation.
Mr Albanese refused to answer questions regarding Mr Andrews’ presence, after a flurry of media reporting indicated the former Victorian leader had jetted in to run lines with the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister will face off against Mr Dutton at the The Sky News/Daily Telegraph People’s Forum on Tuesday at 7.30pm, with the pair answering questions from a group of 100 undecided voters in Western Sydney.
Mr Albanese unveiled a $1 billion mental health plan on Tuesday morning, yet his press conference was briefly hijacked by a climate protester leaving the Prime Minister momentarily dazed.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Albanese said he was looking forward to the debate.
Mr Dutton, capitalising on the deep unpopularity of Victorian state Labor, said: “If you want a snapshot of what economic management looks like under Labor, go no further than looking at what’s happening in Victoria”.
Recent polling has shown increasing voter anger towards the long-time state Labor government has caused various outer suburban seats including Bruce, Hawke, Aston and Dunkley to slowly come into play for the Coalition.
The Opposition Leader said his “preparation is good” and that he was “looking forward to the debate tonight”, yet declined to say who he had recruited for his pre-debate squad.
