According to a new Resolve political survey, opposition leader Peter Dutton has edged ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the nation’s preferred prime minister.
The poll, conducted for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, shows Mr Dutton with a slight lead, gaining 36 per cent of voter support compared to Albanese’s 35 per cent.
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This shift comes after Dutton’s strong rejection of Labor’s climate policy last week, where he vowed to abandon the interim legislated carbon emissions target to prioritise economic issues.
The survey, which included over 1,600 eligible voters, reflects a decline in Labor’s primary vote to 28 per cent, while the Coalition maintains a steady 36 per cent.
The poll indicates that 40 per cent of voters believe Mr Dutton and the Coalition would better manage the economy.
There was a drop in voters favouring Mr Albanse and the labor government, following measures such as the $300 power bill rebate, welfare support, and tax cuts.
Despite the economic concerns, voters still prefer Labor’s approach to climate issues.
In his budget reply, Dutton proposed cutting the permanent migration intake to address housing shortages and deploying nuclear energy as part of Australia’s transition from coal power.
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said the poll reflects Australians’ opinions on this discussion.
“Mr Albanese is concentrating on Paris and climate and these things and the issue is the rest of the world is they can’t pay for their groceries, their power bill.”
On one hand, regarding Albanese’s performance as prime minister, 36 per cent of voters said he was doing well, while 50 per cent believed he was performing poorly.
On the other hand, Mr Dutton received a mixed review as opposition leader, with 42% approving of his performance and 40% disapproving.
On the issues of jobs and wages, both major parties hold equal standing, each with support from 32 per cent of voters.
However, Labor leads slightly on environmental and climate issues, with 24 per cent backing compared to the Coalition’s 22 per cent.
The next federal election is due by May next year.
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