NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam today welcomed Morris Iemma's agreement to an election debate, but there needs to be three – not just one.

"I look forward to the opportunity to take the fight on behalf of the people of NSW directly to Morris Iemma," Mr Debnam said.

"Morris Iemma can't run away from scrutiny of Labor's 12 year record at this election," he said.

"Labor must take responsibility for their 12 years in office so the people of NSW will be given the opportunity to judge this before they decide whether to give Labor 16 years.

"I propose three debates in March covering three topics:

• The state of the economy and the budget;

• Infrastructure, including water and roads; and,

• State services, including health, public transport, law and order and education.

"The debates will give the people of NSW the chance to assess who is best to lead the state for the next four years – the NSW Liberal/Nationals with new ideas and talent or the tired old Iemma-Costa Labor Government seeking 16 years in power.

"We need to turn the economy around to get NSW back in front because it is only with a growing economy that we have the resources to fund vital frontline services like nurses, police and teachers.

"I look forward to the opportunity to highlight the government failures in all portfolios, including Morris Iemma in health, Michael Costa in treasury, John Della Bosca in disability services, Joe Tripodi in electricity, part-time Minister John Watkins in police and transport, Eric Roozendaal on roads, David Campbell on water, or Frank Sartor in planning and Redfern Waterloo.

"Labor has had long enough, after 12 years the time for excuses is over. NSW can no longer afford Morris Iemma's softly-softly approach. It's time for tough decisions and I'm prepared to make them," Mr Debnam said.