Anthony Albanese is given pre-election gift in new poll – but one party faces a major wipeout

By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 20:50 GMT, 16 March 2025 | Updated: 21:11 GMT, 16 March 2025

The latest data from The Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy’s monthly poll has revealed Mr Dutton’s personal ratings have dropped for the second consecutive month alongside support for his Coalition.

With the May federal election set to be announced after next week’s federal budget, Mr Albanese’s Labor party has been intensifying its personal attack against Mr Dutton – including criticism after he attended a fundraiser in Sydney during Cyclone Alfred. 

Its efforts appear to be working with Mr Dutton’s net approval rating sinking to -12 while Mr Albanese’s rose eight points in the last two months to -10.

The result marks the first time Mr Albanese has taken the lead as preferred prime minister since October. 

The poll surveyed 1,051 voters between Thursday and Saturday with last week’s hot topic being US President Donald Trump’s refusal to exempt Australia from high tariffs.

When asked who of the two major party leaders was best suited to handle negotiations with the Trump Administration, 42 per cent backed Mr Dutton while 40 per cent preferred Mr Albanese.

The Coalition remains ahead in the two-party-preferred vote but lost a point to Labor, dropping last month’s lead of 52 per cent to 51 per cent. 

Anthony Albanese gained a higher approval rating than Peter Dutton for the first time since October

The drop in support for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (centre) follows a series of personal attacks by Labor, including criticism over his choice to attend a fundraiser in Sydney during Cyclone Alfred

Meanwhile, the Greens are facing a major wipeout with two of its three Queensland seats at risk – a blow to Labor which could rely on the smaller party’s support if re-elected.

A poll by Insightfully of some 600 voters in each of the seats of Brisbane found a drop of support in the inner-city, which could result in Greens leader Adam Bandt becoming the party’s sole MP in the lower house.

The Greens’ falling support could become an issue for Labor with forecast analysis expecting it to win 71 of the 150 seats, allowing it to negotiate a minority government.

With the Coalition predicted to win 66 seats, neither party would meet the 75 seat requirement to form a majority government.

In contrast to the analysis, just 42 per cent of voters predicted Labor would win the election – either as a minority or majority government – compared to 45 per cent believing the same of the Coalition.

While on the surface the result appears to be a blow for Labor, it represents a five-point increase in favour of the party and a five-point loss for the Coalition.

The majority of voters on both sides expect a minority government will be formed.

:
Anthony Albanese is given pre-election gift in new poll – but one party faces a major wipeout

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk