| And we're off! Pre-polling is open and the first votes have been cast | Good afternoon,
There's 18 days to go until Australia heads of the polls on July 2.
Preference deals, border security and Indigenous recognition have all been on the agenda.
Here's what happened today:
1. THE FIRST VOTES OF THE ELECTION HAVE BEEN CAST
Pre-polling centres across Australia opened for the first time this election today.
There's expectations a record number of people will cast their vote early, with an extra 963,000 people enrolled to vote this year compared to 2013.
Planning on heading to a pre-poll centre just because you want to avoid the Saturday rush?
Hold up.
Before you cast your vote you'll be asked if you're entitled to do so.
Here's a handy check list to see if you're eligible or not.
2. A TREATY WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLE WAS RAISED BY BILL SHORTEN
On Q&A, Mr Shorten give a strong indication a future Labor government would be in favour of a treaty as well as constitional recognition.
What's the difference? A treaty would be a seperate formal agreement between the government and Indigenous people with legal outcomes.
The Prime Minister wasn't so keen when asked today, arguing that adding a treaty to the mix adds uncertainty and the first goal should be constituional recognition.
3. ARE THE MAJOR PARTIES BEHAVING LIKE 'CARTELS'?
Who knew preference deals could be so exciting!
The 'cartel' charge has been levelled by Nick Xenophon, who is upset the Liberal and Labor parties are running a split ticket in several seats in South Australia, designed to prevent the Nick Xenophon Team from claiming Lower House seats.
After all the brouhaha, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce had this advice for voters when it came to preferences:
"Just because someone hands you a piece of paper, it doesn't mean you've got to follow it."
4. THE GOVERNMENT WON'T EASE RESTRICTIONS ON MEDIA ACCESS TO IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTRES
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, Treasurer Scott Morrison and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann were all quick to shut down the suggestion today.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader doubled-down on his comments from yesterday.
Mr Shorten emphasised a Labor government would continue offshore processing while allowing journalists and independent observers into detention centres.
ELECTION SPOTLIGHT:
Where are Australia's most left and right-leaning seats?
We jump to the left in Batman in Melbourne before stepping to the right in Maranoa in regional Queensland.
The ABC visited both seats to find out what is on the minds of voters.
FROM THE DRUM: MUNGO MACCALLUM
Even the worthwhile economic proposals put forward by Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten aren't supposed to come to fruition for years. It's all pure puffery, writes Mungo MacCallum.
Read the full story here.
COMING UP NEXT: - Treasurer Scott Morrison and shadow treasurer Chris Bowen will appear on a live panel on 7.30
- Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will appear on triple j from Perth. Listen in from 5.30pm AEST here
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