An historic election debate will be held in Perth on Monday April 29.

After a campaign by The West Australian, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten have agreed to hold the first debate of the Federal election in Perth.

The showdown will cover hot topics that matter to West Australians and the nation, including health, taxes, jobs, cost of living pressures and climate change.

Mr Shorten last night confirmed he would debate the Prime Minister on April 29.

Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media, which publishes The West Australian, said he was thrilled WA would host the first election debate.

“It is a wonderful coup for WA to have the first leaders’ debate for this election in Perth,” Mr Stokes said last night.

“At last Perth and WA are being treated with respect from our leaders.”

The debate will be the exact middle point of the campaign with 19 days remaining before voters go to the polls on May 18.

Confirmation of the debate came after The West Australian revealed yesterday Mr Morrison had issued a 48-hour challenge to Mr Shorten to meet him in Perth on April 29 or 30.

The Prime Minister said the Perth debate would “be a great opportunity to demonstrate the very clear choice at this election”.

“West Australians know they can trust the Liberals to manage money and do the right thing by the WA economy, as we demonstrated by fixing the GST as promised,” Mr Morrison said.

“We have a proven plan for more jobs, lower taxes, paying down Labor’s debt and guaranteed record funding for roads, schools and hospitals.

“Labor can’t be trusted to manage money and their $387 billion in high taxes will hit the WA economy just as it is getting back on its feet.”

Camera Icon A worker gets a selfie with Bill Shorten at the West Gate Tunnel project site in Melbourne. Credit: AAPIMAGE

Mr Shorten said he wanted the debate to include questions from voters and be similar to one of his town hall-style events.

He has previously said he loves WA and sees the State as hugely important to the nation.

“I’m looking forward to a genuine town hall debate where locals can ask us questions,” Mr Shorten said. “I know WA hasn’t been getting a fair share. Whether it’s hospitals, schools or infrastructure, you’re being ripped off by Canberra.”

Mr Shorten said he was keen to work with Premier Mark McGowan to build Metronet and improve the lives of West Australians. “This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for better hospitals and schools or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals,” he said.

Mr Shorten spent the day campaigning in Melbourne and will head to Perth late tomorrow.

Mr Morrison started the day in the Victorian electorate of Deakin, held by Michael Sukkar on a margin of 6.5 per cent.

Mr Sukkar, who has just become a father for a second time, was instrumental in last year’s leadership coup against Malcolm Turnbull and was a strong backer of Peter Dutton.