According to the latest Newspoll, support for the Labor party is currently at its lowest point since the 2022 election. However, the coalition has not benefited from this as voters are instead turning towards independent and minor parties. The poll reveals that Labor’s primary vote has dropped by two points to 36 percent, the lowest result since it came into power with a base support of 32.6 percent. Although the LNP experienced a rare victory in the Fadden by-election with a two percent swing, this does not represent the overall trend. Nationally, the Coalition has lost ground and fallen to 34 percent following unfavorable findings against them at the Robodebt royal commission.
The Australian public seems to be withdrawing their support from the major parties due to their focus on politicking over the commission’s findings and the Voice to Parliament, instead of addressing the cost of living crisis. The survey demonstrates a three-point increase in support for minor parties and independents. Both the Greens and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation have seen a one-point rise in support, reaching 12 percent and seven percent respectively. Other minor parties and independents have also gained one percent support, reaching a total of 11 percent.
Additionally, the poll shows that Labor has improved its two-party-preferred margin over the Coalition by two points, resulting in a 55-45 lead. Labor leader Anthony Albanese’s approval ratings have remained relatively steady at 52 percent, which is the lowest level since his election in May of the previous year. His dissatisfaction rating has dropped by one point to 41 percent, giving him a net approval rating of plus 11. On the other hand, opposition leader Peter Dutton’s approval ratings have fallen two points to 36 percent, while his dissatisfaction rating remains at 49 percent. This gives him a net approval rating of minus 13. These results are reflected in the preferred prime minister ratings, with Albanese rising by two points to 54 percent and Dutton dropping by three points to 29 percent.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has expressed that the government is not concerned about the declining support shown in the polls. She explains that polls fluctuate regularly and the focus of the government is on addressing the cost of living issues. However, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce argues that the declining support is a result of voters’ concerns about the rising cost of living. He believes that the Labor Party is oblivious to these issues, and the polls are reflecting this lack of awareness.
In another Newspoll, it is revealed that support for an Indigenous voice to parliament has decreased among women voters and in the regions. Overall, only 41 percent of voters now indicate that they will vote yes for the referendum, while 48 percent intend to vote no. Among female voters, only 38 percent approve of the voice. On the other hand, support among male voters has increased by seven points to 45 percent, with 47 percent opposing it. In the regions, 62 percent of voters are against the voice, while only 31 percent are in favor.
Overall, these polls indicate a decline in support for Labor, as well as a decrease in support for the proposed Indigenous voice to parliament. Both major parties are facing criticism for their focus on issues unrelated to the cost of living crisis.