Malinauskas Narrowly Wins Debate, Election Tightens

From Adelaide, this is your March 13th update.

South Australian Premier, Peter Malinowskas, edged out opposition leader Ashton Herne in a

closely-fod debate at Adelaide Oval just eight days before the state election.

The SA Press Club judges gave Malinowskas 38.25 points to Herne's 36, calling it a win

by a B's whisker.

Both leaders delivered strong, polished performances in front of a big crowd and live audience.

Herne made a big play in the closing minutes, promising to freeze politician salaries and

daring the Premier to match it.

She tied it to criticisms of government spending on flashy projects over front-line needs,

like hospital weights.

Malinowskas pushed back, saying he's fine with the independent tribunal handling pay,

which has cut wages before.

Judges praised Herne's showing as proof the liberal party is in good shape under her

lead, despite her calling herself the underdog at the start.

They noted Malinowskas' usual strong-stage presence met a solid challenge from the

newcomer, highlighting the high stakes in tight race.

Leading up to the debate, both sides dealt with scandals.

Liberals dropped a candidate over offensive views while labor-faced heat over a leaked,

health email exposing patient info.

They clashed on housing, too, with Herne pushing stab-duty choices and Malinowskas warning

it could worsen shortages.

They're committed to fully fixing ambulance-rapping issues, though Malinowskas touted shorter

weights under his government and Herne vowed to beefier, health system overall.

With polls looming, this debate underscores a nail-biter election ahead.

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