Julia Gillard has again confirmed she believes she is the ''underdog'' heading into the September election, by offering to grant multiple leaders' debates with her opponent, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

Incumbent prime ministers traditionally allow as few pre-election debates as they credibly can.

This is to avoid hoisting the pretender to the stage on any more occasions than necessary.

But in a surprise move in Parliament, Ms Gillard presaged numerous debates in 2013.

''The government is committed to a leaders' debate commission,'' she said. ''I'll certainly look forward to debating the Leader of the Opposition on many occasions.''

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