In modern politics often there isn't too much separating the parties.
This time in the Australian federal election campaign, on key issues there is a difference.
Let's start with the themes.
The Liberal National Party’s election mantra is "a plan for a stronger new economy" while Labor has said "we'll put people first." The Greens in the meantime say they are the only party that will be compassionate to asylum seekers and tackle climate change. Greens say "no" to new coal mines.
Which party you believe is more fair or more economically responsible depends on your perspective.
Let's start with the Turnbull team because they are in Government, they will need to prove to Australians they should be voted back in.
The Liberal National party coalition's policies are based around the tax policy released on budget night along with plans for innovation outlined late in 2015.
Malcolm Turnbull says this blueprint is part of an economic plan for Australia that will allow the economy to grow and jobs to be created.
"Our economic plan for jobs and growth is as clear as it is critical - to support this transition to the new economy of the 21st century", Mr Turnbull said at his first press conference of the campaign.
He again used the phrase that is now very over used: "It is the most exciting time to be an Australian".
"These are exciting times," he said.
"But we must embark on these times, embrace these opportunities, meet these challenges, with a plan and we have laid out a clear economic plan to enable us to succeed."
The Turnbull plan includes: income tax cuts for those earning more than $80,000, small business tax cuts that over 10 years are reduced to a 25% tax rate available to all businesses, cuts to top end superannuation tax concessions.
The government does not support changes to negative gearing for investment properties.
The Turnbull thesis is that economic growth will allow all Australians to succeed. He said the best form of welfare is a job. He cites key Free Trade Agreements signed during the last 3 years and the defence building plan that will see submarines built in Adelaide as part of this overall objective.
Malcolm Turnbull said he supports tough security as a way of protecting national security.
Labor's main themes were outlined in the budget reply speech Bill Shorten gave to Parliament, and in Labor campaigning over the last 18 months.
Labor has said it is about fairness. According to Bill Shorten the Liberal National Party is only ruling for "the big end of town".
related reading
'Underdog' Shorten says he's ready
Labor’s policy includes limiting negative gearing to new properties, and reducing capital gains tax exemptions in an attempt to address housing affordability.
Labor also opposes company tax cuts for all as proposed by the government.
Bill Shorten has said he supports only company tax cuts for small businesses with a turnover of under $2 million. Labor has been rolling out policies ahead of the Government. They have said their policies will focus on school and health funding and "a fair go for all".
Labor has pledged to support the full 'Gonski' education reforms and fund schools on a 'needs' basis. On climate change Labor is promising net zero pollution by 2050 and a 50% renewable target by 2030.
Bill Shorten in his opening press conference said that he will fight for Medicare and schools and support for basic services during the campaign, and will be at the heart of the Labor plan.
"I will fight the election on issues vital to millions of Australians," Bill Shorten said.
"I will fight this election on schools and education. I will fight this election for health, hospitals and Medicare. I will fight this election for real action on climate change. I will fight this election to help create a vibrant economy, growing jobs, with reasonable conditions, and security for all. I will fight this election to make Australia a fairer place, where the needs of families, small businesses, the great bulk of Australians, are placed at the top of the priority list."
'This election is much more than a choice between parties and personalities. This election is a choice about what sort of Australia that we want to live in. What sort of Australia do we want our children to grow up in?'
Labor also supports strong border security. There is little difference between the major parties on this subject. Both believe off shore processing of asylum seekers should continue.
The Greens are getting stronger under leader Richard Di Natale. This campaign they are nominating for a range of lower house seats in inner city electorates.
They are also fielding candidates as usual in the Senate.
The party launched its Victorian campaign in central Melbourne before heading to Newcastle in New South Wales where Richard Di Natale, a former GP who took over the party from Christine Milne said the Party had never been in such good shape.
related reading
Di Natale launches Greens campaign
"Here we are, a first day of an election campaign, talking about an issue you won't hear either of the old parties talk about on any day during this election campaign," he told reporters.
His campaign is based around the themes of no new coal mines, fighting climate change and more support for asylum seekers.
"Coal exports are destroying the Great Barrier Reef. New coalmines are destroying precious wilderness," he said.
"The Greens say 'no' to new coalmines."
"We know the world is moving. We know the community is moving. We know that people right around the world today are joining together to say, "No more new coalmines."
The Greens do not support off shore processing of asylum seekers.
