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Federal election second week: Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese campaign, in pictures

Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison shake hands at the first leaders' debate of the campaign in Brisbane on Wednesday night. (AAP: Tony Zerna)

A debate, a crash and a COVID-forced absence grabbed the headlines in Australian politics this week as Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison continued to make their pitches to voters. 

Here's a brief look back at some of the images that stood out during the second week of 2022 federal election campaign. 

All eyes on the leaders

The Labor and Coalition leaders remained the focus of the campaign throughout the week, with their fellow politicians among those keeping a watchful eye on the pair.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media as Peter Dutton watches on. (ABC News: Nick Haggarty)
Labor's Jim Chalmers watches Anthony Albanese at a press conference in Brisbane. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)

Racing, rugby and a robot run-in 

Scott Morrison continued to tour the country, appearing in front of the cameras from Western Australia to Queensland.

Scott Morrison and Michaelia Cash start a BMX race in Western Australia. (ABC News: Andy Kennedy)
Scott Morrison showed off his rugby league skills in Redcliffe, Queensland.  (ABC News: Nick Haggarty)
Scott Morrison shakes hands with a robot in Perth on Tuesday. (ABC News: Andrew Kennedy)

Leaders go head-to-head at the Gabba

The initial debate of the campaign made headlines, with Mr Albanese accusing Mr Morrison of "an outrageous slur" when the Prime Minister claimed the Labor leader was taking "China's side" on the issue of national security in the Pacific.

Mr Morrison later apologised for another comment he made on the night, saying he did not mean to cause offence for saying he was "blessed" not to have a child with a disability

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (left) and Prime Minister Scott Morrison enjoy a funny moment during the first leaders' debate of the 2022 federal election in Brisbane.   (AAP: Toby Zerna)
Scott Morrison continued to attack Labor's record of, what he calls, being too "soft" on China after the debate. (ABC News: Nick Haggarty)

Positive COVID-19 test forces Albanese into isolation

Mr Albanese's week on the hustings ended much earlier than expected when he tested positive to COVID-19 on Thursday. While the result stopped him from making appearances in the flesh, he still appeared in front of the media via video call.

Anthony Albanese campaigning in person on Thursday, prior to testing positive to COVID-19.  (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)
Anthony Albanese visited an aged care facility in southern NSW in the hours before his positive COVID-19 result. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)
Anthony Albanese later tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday night. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)
Anthony Albanese speaks to the media via video call on Friday after testing positive to COVID-19.  (ABC News Video)

Car crash concern

Mr Albanese's test result wasn't the only big Labor news on Thursday. A car crashed into Griffith MP Terri Butler's electorate office earlier in the day. Fortunately, no-one was hurt. Police believe the incident was not politically motivated.

Griffith MP Terri Butler speaking to police outside her damaged office on Thursday. (Supplied)

Pinch hitting for Albanese

With Mr Albanese isolating on Friday, Labor frontbenchers stepped up to the plate in his absence, appearing before the media to respond to questions.

Jason Clare stepped in to deliver the major daily press conference on Friday in Anthony Albanese's place. (ABC News )
Scott Morrison accused of deflecting amidst foreign policy fail in the Solomons
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