Australia’s Labor Party has experienced a notable decline in support, with Peter Dutton’s Coalition pulling ahead on two-party preferred voting for the first time since the 2022 federal election.
A recent Newspoll published in The Australian shows the Coalition at 51 per cent, marking a critical turning point that could jeopardise Labor’s hopes for a second term.
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Since its high of 57 per cent following the 2022 election, Labor’s primary vote has stagnated, with the Coalition benefiting from shifting voter allegiances away from minor parties and independents.
If current trends continue, Labor may be forced to negotiate with the Greens and crossbenchers to retain power.
The Greens leader, Shane Rattenbury, the Minister for Climate Change and Justice, said: “If enough progressives switch their votes, the Greens could be the lead partner in government.”
“I think what they see from the Labor Party is a lack of ambition on these issues. They see a party that is comfortable, that is business as usual, with some tweaking around the edges.”
Anthony Albanese’s personal approval rating has also taken a hit, dropping six points to a negative 14, while Dutton has seen a slight uptick in his support.
The polling data comes after a week of heightened focus on foreign affairs, especially on the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel.
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