In a significant shift in political sentiment, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has overtaken Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the preferred leader, according to recent polling data.
The latest Resolve Political Monitor survey, conducted for the SMH, reveals a narrow lead for Dutton, who has secured 36 per cent of voter support compared to Albanese’s 35 per cent.
This marks the first occasion Dutton has surpassed Mr Albanese in these surveys.
The polling results indicate growing voter dissatisfaction with the Albanese administration, with 36 per cent of respondents approving of the prime minister’s performance, while 50 per cent rated it poorly.
Conversely, Dutton received positive feedback from 42 per cent of voters, though 40 per cent viewed his performance unfavourably.
Support for the Coalition has remained stable at 36 per cent over the past month. However, Labor’s primary vote has plummeted to a three-year low of 28 per cent. This decline in support is mirrored in various critical policy areas.
On economic management, 40 per cent of those polled trust Dutton and the Coalition, whereas only 24 per cent support Albanese and Labor.
National security and defence also see Dutton with a substantial lead, garnering 42 per cent support compared to the prime minister’s 23 per cent.
Cost of living issues, a major concern for Australians amidst rising prices and interest rate hikes, see Dutton preferred by 32 per cent of voters, while Albanese is favoured by 25 per cent. This is in line with the 54 per cent of respondents who identified cost of living as the most crucial policy issue.
On environmental and climate issues, Albanese and Labor have an edge, attracting 24 per cent of the vote compared to Dutton and the Coalition’s 22 per cent.
Despite these setbacks, both major parties are evenly matched regarding jobs and wages, with each receiving 32 per cent support.
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