Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has sought to counter an attack from the Prime Minister, who is accusing the Labor leader of being too inexperienced to lead Australia.
Scott Morrison could call an election any day, setting up a battle with Mr Albanese over who leads the nation for the next three years.
While campaigning in Perth, where Labor hopes to pick up seats thanks to the popularity of Premier Mark McGowan, Mr Albanese hit back at attacks on his experience.
"I have been the deputy prime minister of Australia. I have been the acting prime minister of Australia," he said.
The Coalition has repeatedly criticised Mr Albanese for never having held an economic portfolio in government.
Mr Albanese was a long-term infrastructure minister and served as the deputy prime minister for three months after Kevin Rudd returned to the prime ministership in 2013.
"Anthony Albanese is a blank page. He is not a small target, he is a complete blank page," Mr Morrison said.
"At a time of great uncertainty, considerable uncertainty, not just in the economy but also in terms of national security, a blank page is no answer to the problems that Australians face."
Where the election will be won
Both Mr Albanese and Mr Morrison spent Wednesday and Thursday morning campaigning in areas where they hope to win seats.
The ABC has been tracking leaders' travel since late last year.
It offers a snapshot of where the campaigns will likely focus, with Western Australia, Central Queensland, Brisbane, Western Sydney, the NSW South Coast and northern Tasmania the areas to watch.
The Coalition will begin the election with the smallest possible majority. It notionally holds 76 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives.
Labor notionally starts the campaign with 69 seats, one more than it currently has, thanks to a new seat being created in Melbourne.
When he calls the election, Mr Morrison will become the first person in more than 14 years to have served a full term as prime minister.
He's seeking to win the Coalition a fourth term in office, while Labor wants to return from the political wilderness after almost nine years in opposition.
Leaders facing public scrutiny
Mr Morrison found himself in an uncomfortable encounter on Wednesday night during an unannounced visit to a Newcastle pub, when a local pensioner berated him about the level of financial support for older Australians.
Speaking on Thursday, Mr Morrison said the man spoke with his staff to explain his concerns.
"He wasn't asked to leave or anything like that," Mr Morrison said.
"I could understand he was very upset."
Mr Albanese also faced a member of the public who attempted to ask him questions at a press conference while he was campaigning with Mr McGowan in Perth on Wednesday.
The two leaders told the man they would talk with him after the press conference.
Mr Albanese, speaking on Thursday, said he hoped people would engage politely with the leaders.
"It's good that here in Australia we can have politicians get out and about," he said.
