The Coalition has opened up a 52 per cent to 48 per cent lead over Labor, its biggest since the last election and one that significantly increases Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s prospects of forming a minority government.

At the same time, the latest The Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy poll shows “green shoots” for Labor in the form of a lift in Anthony Albanese’s personal standing, and a slight improvement in voter optimism, suggesting a comeback is still possible.