Newspoll: PM’s approval hits new low

Primary support for the Coalition has lifted to 40 per cent for the first time since the 2022 election, and Peter Dutton’s net approval now surpasses Anthony Albanese’s, according to the latest Newspoll conducted for The Australian.

The Prime Minister’s personal ratings have hit a new low and the leadership contest narrows to its closest margin yet.

The results come after a tough month for Mr Albanese in the wake of the US election results and the flight upgrades controversy.

While Mr Albanese still holds the lead as preferred prime minister, there is now only a four-point gap separating him from Mr Dutton in that role.

While Labor is holding steady at slightly above its last election primary vote of 32.6 per cent, but rise in support for the Coalition represents a gain of more than four points over the same period and makes it an election threat.

The Coalition has also maintained its 51-49 per cent two-party-preferred lead over Labor, maintaining its edge.

However, this margin would not be enough to win the next election, with the more likely result being a hung parliament and a minority Labor government.

Mr Albanese’s pitch to younger voters with the announcement of $16bn in debt relief for student loans has been popular but the past four weeks have been a headache for the federal government, dominated by debate over free flight upgrades for MPs.

The re-election of Donald Trump and the implications for the domestic political contest have also had an impact raising the question of strength of leadership.

Mr Albanese remains at 45 per cent as the preferred prime minister.

However, Mr Dutton lifted four points to 41 per cent, giving him the closest margin between the two leaders since the last election.

Mr Albanese’s net approval ratings have dipped to a new low since becoming Prime Minister.

While his approval ratings remained unchanged at 40 per cent, those dissatisfied with the Prime Minister rose one point to 55 per cent. This gives the Labor leader a net approval rating of minus-15 – his worst result.

Mr Dutton’s approval rating rose two points to 40 per cent to equal that of Mr Albanese.

Disapproval of Mr Dutton’s performance is lower than that of his rival at 51 per cent, giving the Opposition Leader a more favourable net approval rating of minus-11.

The latest Newspoll survey was conducted between November 4 and November 8, and polled 1261 voters nationally.

Originally published as Newspoll: Peter Dutton passes Anthony Albanese in approval