The next federal election is likely to result in a hung Parliament, a new poll has revealed.
The latest Newspoll conducted for The Australian found Labor’s primary vote has fallen to 32 per cent as pressure grows on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reel in the cost-of-living crisis.
In contrast, the Coalition’s primary vote has risen to a new record since the last election at 39 per cent.
But on a two-party preferred basis, the two major parties now sit at 50-50. It’s the first time in two years that the parties have been neck and neck.
About 57 per cent of the 1,266 voters surveyed believe neither party would have enough votes to win outright, if the election was to be held today.
The projected results could spell disaster for whoever forms government, as a hung parliament would tip the balance of power in the hands of the crossbenchers and make it extremely difficult to pass legislation.
Labor was the last party to form a minority government in 2010 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Ms Gillard secured the votes of two independent members of the House of Representatives to achieve the required 76 seats to govern.
A majority of voters believe that a hung parliament will the most likely result at the next federal election (pictured Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée Jodie Haydon)
The latest poll revealed a mixed bag of results for both major parties.
Just 22 per of voters believe Labor can form a majority government on its own while only 21 per cent believe a Coalition led by Mr Dutton will do likewise.
Voter satisfaction levels for Mr Albanese dropped a point to 43 per cent while the rating for Peter Dutton also fell a point to 40 per cent.
The prime minister has a slightly higher disapproval rating than his Opposition counterpart at 51 compared to 50.
Mr Albanese, however remains the preferred Prime Minister, leading Mr Dutton 46 to 30 per cent.
With support for Labor below the level the government had at the last election, speculation is mounting as to when Aussies are likely to head to the polls next.
Daily Mail Australia previously revealed Mr Albanese might call an early election in the hope of securing himself a second term before the economy gets worse.
Opposition Peter Dutton (pictured) has a slightly lower disapproval rating according to the latest Newspoll
The results come at a crucial time for Mr Albanese, who is attempting to revive support from disgruntled voters, struggling with the cost of living.
Mr Albanese announced this week that his government will deliver a 15 per cent pay rise over the next two years to early childcare staff.
The government will set aside $3.6billion to give early childcare and out-of-school hours staff a 10 per cent raise from December.
This figure will be followed by a further five per cent increase from December 2025.
The government also sensationally backflipped on their stage three tax cuts promise earlier this and delivered a tax cut to low and middle income earners.
Australian households were also set to save $300 on electricity bills as part of the federal budget, but bureaucratic red tape has delayed the rollout.
The surprising results could spell a disaster for both major political parties as a hung parliament would tip the balance of power in the hands of minor parties. Pictured is Anthony Albanese with his fiancee Jodie Haydon
The move passed parliament and became law on July 1 – the start of the 2024-25 financial year.
Despite the cash boost, the RBA, which operates independently of the government, kept interest rates on hold at 4.35 per cent on Tuesday citing persistent inflation.
Elsewhere in the latest Newspoll, the primary vote for The Greens fell by one point to 12 per cent while the other minor parties and independents increased their vote by a point to 11 per cent.
The primary vote for the One Nation Party led by Senator Pauline Hanson remained steady at 6 per cent.
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