Support for both Labor and the Coalition has dropped as Aussies are divided over energy and climate change policy, including proposals for nuclear power plants.
The primary vote for the major parties has taken a hit in recent weeks with the Coalition falling three points to 36 per cent while support for Labor slipped to 32 per cent after a one point drop, according to the latest Newspoll conducted for The Australian.
The two leaders, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, have also achieved high levels of dissatisfaction with voters.
As a result, there has been an uptick in support for the Greens and independents, which could signal a similar political landscape when voters return to the polls next year.
Mr Albanese recorded his second highest level of dissatisfaction since he was elected which rose to 53 per cent- a three per cent increase.
The prime minister’s approval rating dropped by one point to 42 per cent.
Mr Dutton’s approval rating also dropped by a point to 38 per cent but saw his dissatisfaction rate soar above Mr Albanese to 54 per cent- a five point increase.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) has divided voters over his nuclear power plans
Anthony Albanese (pictured with partner Jodie Haydon at a dinner he hosted for Australia’s Olympians on Saturday night) has been accused of undermining nuclear power plant safety
When voters were asked to name who would be the better prime minister, an eight per cent margin separates the two leaders in the closest result since the 2022 election.
Mr Albanese remains ahead as the preferred leader at 46 per cent, which remained unchanged while Mr Dutton’s vote rose to 38 per cent.
On a two party preferred basis, Labor has boosted its position to lead the Coalition 51-49.
The major parties were deadlocked at 50-all in the last Newspoll conducted three weeks ago.
The Greens is enjoying its highest level of support since the 2022 election after its vote lifted two points to 13 per cent.
The poll also found Mr Dutton’s nuclear plan of seven regional sites around the country, which would retire coal-fired plants, had 42 per cent of voters approving.
But disapproval of the plan sat at 45 per cent while 13 per cent were undecided.
Peter Dutton’s nuclear power plant proposal was a again a hot topic in the latest poll
The nuclear power topic saw more males and older people support Dutton’s plan, with women and younger people mostly against it and middle aged people divided.
The nuclear debate has caused a contest between the parties, and the Albanese government have been accused of campaigning to scare Australians about the safety of nuclear power plants – even though it plans on having nuclear powered submarines.
The drop in support for the Coalition shows the nuclear plan may cost them potential votes.
But the dwindling support also suggests the worst than expected inflation figures has also impacted the government.
The survey involving 1260 voters across Australia was conducted between June 24 and June 28.
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