| The PM responds to historic Brexit vote and Labor's Bill Shorten faces tough questions | Good afternoon,
With all the focus on the UK's historic Brexit vote, it was a slightly quieter day on the campaign front.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Australia will weather the economic storm from the historic referendum, while Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen said it was not the time for a scare campaign from the government.
Here's what happened today:
1. THE PRIME MINISTER MOVED TO REASSURE AUSTRALIANS OVER BREXIT IMPACT
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union as a "momentous and historic decision" but was quick to note the impact on global markets.
"I want to say that Australians, I recognise, will be concerned by the uncertainty and instability in global markets. Falls in currencies, including the Australian dollar, and in equity markets," Mr Turnbull said.
"It is important to remember that the Australian economy is strong and resilient and has weathered global shocks before and weathered them well.
"I have no doubt that in due course, the British government will negotiate a satisfactory departure from the European Union."
He re-affirmed his campaign message: "A strong majority government, a strong economic plan - that is what Australia needs in these times of opportunity and, as we have seen, uncertainty".
Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen said it was not the time for a "scare campaign".
"Australian people need their prime minister, their treasurer and the alternative prime minister and treasurer, outlining clearly the impacts of Britain potentially leaving the European Union, without scaring the Australian people about those impacts," Mr Bowen said.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott also weighed in and said it was a "brave and momentous decision" which could enhance the UK's relations with Australia.
2. BILL SHORTEN FACES CRITICISM ON COSTINGS AND MEDICARE
Last night, Bill Shorten faced tough questions from 7.30 presenter Leigh Sales who asked him to put his hand on his heart and "look Australians in the eye" on whether the Coalition had a policy to privatise Medicare.
"Isn't the message that you're sending with your hyperbole around Medicare that you don't think that the truth alone can win you the election?" Sales asked.
"Not at all, I just think the truth of the Liberal plan is scary," Mr Shorten replied.
In Brisbane today, deputy Liberal Leader Julie Bishop said Mr Shorten had "abandoned any economic policies". "He was basing his entire campaign to be the prime minister of this country on a lie," Ms Bishop said.
"He has now been exposed as having lied about the issue on Medicare and I don't think the Australian people will trust him again."
3. MALCOLM TURNBULL SAID HIS MPS WILL BE FREE TO VOTE HOW THEY WISH ON THE ISSUE OF GAY MARRIAGE...
...but he told reporters he expects the overwhelming majority of politicians to respect the decision of the Australian people after a potential plebiscite.
Labor Senator Penny Wong seized on those comments, claiming the PM had "traded his principles for the leadership".
"Malcolm Turnbull didn't give supporters of marriage equality a free vote before the election but will give opponents of marriage equality a free vote after the election," she said.
South Australian Greens Senator Robert Simms asked how the Coalition could justify spending $160 million on "what is in effect a giant opinion poll that isn't even binding".
4. MEANWHILE IN TASMANIA
Eric Abetz took on union protesters about workplace relations. Watch the encounter here.
The PM committed $150 million to relocate and expand University of Tasmania's Launceston and Burnie campuses.
It's part of the Coalition's job plan for the state.
Mr Shorten promised the same amount of money for the project in April if Labor is elected.
ELECTION SPOTLIGHT:
Trust in our politicians is at a 20-year low according to a new survey.
The research also found that only 42 per cent of Australians were happy with the way democracy works.
FROM THE DRUM: BARRIE CASSIDY
As we near the home stretch of the election campaign, the major parties have ramped up the scare campaigns, writes Barrie Cassidy.
Are you scared yet?
COMING UP NEXT: - Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will be on 7.30 AEST
- There will be a Brexit panel discussion on Lateline at 10.34pm
On a mobile? Check out our Daily Breif. It's the best bits of the day's coverage, but made for your mobile!
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