Another major blow for Anthony Albanese as shock poll drops a political bombshell

Anthony Albanese has suffered another setback as Peter Dutton’s popularity continues to rise, with a new poll showing they are nearly tied as Australia’s preferred prime minister.  

The Australian Financial Review and Freshwater Strategy Poll, published on Monday, revealed that Albanese has lost his lead over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. 

According to the poll, 44 per cent of respondents now prefer Albanese as prime minister, while 43 per cent favor Dutton. 

The latest findings were in stark contrast to Albanese’s first six months in office in December 2023, which saw him led by a whopping 55 per cent to 29 per cent. 

Additionally, the poll shows the Coalition has led Labor in the two-party-preferred vote for the third consecutive month, with 51 per cent support compared to Labor’s 49 per cent

This reflects a swing of over three percentage points against Labor since the last election.

If this is replicated in the next election, Labor could lose up to eight seats, reducing their total to 70, while the Coalition could gain up to 10 seats, boosting their current 58 seats, paving the way for a Coalition minority government.

The poll also found the Coalition has lead Labor in the two-party-preferred vote for the third consecutive month (pictured, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton) 

Meanwhile, Labor’s primary vote held steady at 30 per cent, while the Coalition’s dropped slightly by one point to 41 per cent. The Greens’ primary vote remained unchanged at 13 per cent.

The poll, conducted from Friday to Sunday with 1,034 voters, found that Albanese’s recent $4.3 million property purchase had little impact on his personal popularity.

Respondents were asked whether the Prime Minister buying the luxury four-bedroom home at Copacabana on the NSW Central Coast had ‘changed your view of Albanese, or had no impact on your view of him at all’.

More than half, 52 per cent, said their view of Albanese’s had not changed, while 36 per cent said it had worsened their view.

Responders were asked whether Albanese’s recent luxury home (pictured) purchase had changed their view of the Prime Minister 

Voters also ranked the government’s handling on national concerns including the cost of living, housing, managing the economy, health and social care, crime and social order, and the environment and climate change. 

Respondents found the Coalition was the best party to manage these, holding a considerable double-digit lead on almost all six issues. 

The Coalition had a 14-point lead on the cost of living, a 16 point lead on economic management, 19 point leads on both immigration/asylum and crime/social order. 

The opposition also had a whopping 20 point lead on defence and national security.