Anthony Albanese has all but lost his lead over Peter Dutton as preferred prime minister while the Coalition leads Labor in the popular vote for the third successive month, according to a new poll that further entrenches the prospect of minority government.

The latest The Australian Financial Review/ Freshwater Strategy Poll shows 44 per cent of respondents prefer Mr Albanese as prime minister, compared to 43 per cent for Mr Dutton, meaning the foes are statistically tied. After six months in office in December 2022 Mr Albanese led Mr Dutton by 55 per cent to 29 per cent.