In the lead-up to the May 3 elections, opposition leader Peter Dutton is focusing on resonating with voters affected by escalating living costs.

One such voter, Peter Ryan, a 58-year-old employee at Cougar Mining Equipment in Tomago, New South Wales, has historically supported the Labor Party but is now contemplating switching his vote due to financial strains impacting his family.

Ryan expressed concerns regarding the rising cost of living, heightened by his sons' struggles to enter the housing market and soaring electricity bills despite the installation of solar panels at his home.

Dutton's visit to the Hunter Valley marked the third day of his campaign, emphasizing his message aimed at voters affected by high power prices and increased mortgage repayments.

Simultaneously, he faced scrutiny for comments made during a morning radio interview regarding his preferred living arrangements as prime minister.

His preference for the Kirribilli House over the Lodge in Canberra was criticized by Labor as suggesting a disconnect from the average voter's concerns.

Throughout the campaign, Dutton has made controversial remarks, including a retraction of earlier comments about holding referendums on Indigenous recognition in the Constitution and the proposed change to four-year parliamentary terms.

Additionally, his suggestion to impose conditions on school funding to combat perceived 'woke' education drew criticisms and raised questions about the clarity of his economic agenda.

Former Liberal adviser Tony Barry noted that while the cost of living is the primary issue for voters, Dutton's focus has not remained consistently on this theme, complicating his campaign strategy.

On the other hand, Dutton made a public appearance at a petrol station to advocate for a proposed fuel excise reduction, but some analysts questioned the timing and relevance of his campaign stops.

His engagement with constituents included a tea visit to the Xavier family in Melbourne, an immigrant family facing financial difficulties, and a visit to a mosque in western Sydney that revived discussions about his past remarks on immigration.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has maintained a confident stance during this election cycle, suggesting a strong organizational campaign.

Albanese has targeted several Coalition strongholds, including seats in Queensland and Tasmania, indicating a strategic approach to reach voters in traditionally conservative areas.

His style of campaigning has included visits to healthcare and education facilities aimed at demographics that align with Labor's policies.

However, Albanese's campaign has not been devoid of missteps.

An incident where he fell from a stage during a union conference drew attention, leading to a denial of the incident that was widely observed.

Moreover, his refusal to allow a question to Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a press conference raised eyebrows, as he typically portrays a collaborative leadership image.

The political landscape is further complicated by global issues, including the impact of recent decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have strained Australia-U.S. trade relations.

Trump’s recent tariffs on Australian imports have drawn responses from both candidates as they navigate the implications of international politics on domestic issues.

Dutton has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Trump while Albanese has been encouraged by the shifting political tides benefiting center-left parties globally.

As both leaders pursue their electoral strategies, internal polling for Labor shows a potential increase in support, although external data indicates a challenging landscape compared to the previous election cycle.

With approximately a month remaining in the campaign, many voters remain undecided, emphasizing the importance of effective campaigning as both leaders continue to appeal to an electorate that has yet to commit to a party.