Morrison and Shorten want debate umpire

Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten have agreed to establish an independent umpire to put an end to jousting about leaders' debates at the next election.

The pair have regularly traded blows over the timing and format of three televised debates during this year's federal election campaign.

Wrapping up their final bout at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday night, both men agreed to embrace the US system of a debates commission, in a bid to avoid any future controversies.