Rudd: Election about 'future strength of the economy'

In his opening statement for the first televised debate of the Australian election campaign, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has focused on the country's economy.

Mr Rudd said: "This economy is strong. This election is about the strength of our economy and how best to secure it."

He highlighted that Australia had kept out of the global recession and that interest rates were at the lowest they had been in 60 years.

Looking forward to the future, Mr Rudd said that the country "must now diversify to grow the industries and jobs of the future".