'He is trying to shift the focus': The PM's election pitch

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will attempt to shift the focus away from himself and onto his team during the 2022 federal election campaign, 9News political editor Chris Uhlmann says.

In his first campaign speech immediately after calling the election for May 21, Mr Morrison posed the government as proven economic performers against an untried Labor opposition.

Uhlmann said a key strategy of Mr Morrison's campaign will be distancing himself from the numerous recent public attacks on his character.

READ MORE: Scott Morrison officially reveals federal election date

READ MORE: Your guide to the key seats that could decide the Election

"He tried to frame this debate (as) this election is not about me, it is about you. Don't forget the major attack lines against the government is that Scott Morrison can't be trusted," Uhlmann said.

''He is now saying this election is all about you.

"So that is one of the main points to take away from this, he is trying to shift the focus and he is trying to move it on to his team."

READ MORE: How to vote in this year's election

READ MORE: How COVID-19 could impact the election

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told voters "this election is about you" as he set down a six-week campaign.

A key shift in this year's election campaign would be Mr Morrison distancing himself from the presidential-style campaign of the individual that he won on in 2019.

"He mentioned his team several times. Remember last time the presidential campaign was all about him," Uhlmann said.

"This time he is talking about a team, a team with a plan and a record which he tried to reclaim for the government saying, look, on any measure, what we did in the pandemic actually the recovery is coming out reasonably well.

"It is a contrast between us, who you know, warts and all, and a Labor Party that you do not know."

READ MORE: How redistribution will impact the Federal Election

READ MORE: How is the Australian Government elected

Uhlmann said both leaders will need to address the prospect of greater geopolitical tension given Australia's proximity to China.

"We are entering a new Cold War. We need to work out how we deal with a rising China that is going to test us and test any future Prime Minister," he said.

"So part of the pitch of the government is if you want to feel safe, if you want to feel secure, then Scott Morrison is someone who can deal with that, or you can risk Anthony Albanese.

"This is the way the government wants to frame this, this is precisely the opposite of the way the Labor Party will try to frame it.

"They will say, tired, old, out of puff, now out of time, kick them out."