University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor Leigh Sullivan talks about the start of the federal election campaign with Michelle Grattan. They discuss the messages and tone of each of the leaders, the north-south divide of voters, and the impact of the government’s last minute approval of a stage of the Adani project on the political landscape.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.