Yougov poll reveals Peter Dutton Queenslanders’ preferred choice for PM

Today’s poll reveals a clear choice for PM in Queensland right now, but there are still plenty of hurdles to be cleared before the next federal poll, writes Hayden Johnson.

A Yougov poll exclusive to The Courier-Mail has revealed that Peter Dutton is the preferred PM in Queensland, holding an eight-point lead over Anthony Albanese. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Voters north of the border reward politicians of conviction, and right now the keys to fortress Queensland remain firmly in Peter Dutton’s hand.

Mr Dutton, who in the wake of Scott Morrison’s 2022 wipe-out was written off as an unelectable caretaker Coalition leader, has proven more than a thorn in the Prime Minister’s side.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese during Question Time in Canberra.

Today’s poll reveals the efforts of the tough-talking former cop is working in his home state – with 45 per cent of respondents believing he would be a better prime minister than Anthony Albanese.

Scratch the surface, however, and this poll also reveals the workload he has if he’s to be the first Queenslander since Kevin Rudd in the nation’s top job. In Queensland men back Mr Dutton, but women aren’t convinced.

A staggering half of all people aged above 35 would prefer him as prime minister, but only a third of younger people would.

He holds a commanding lead in regional Queensland but it’s neck and neck in Brisbane.

Mr Dutton will be buoyed by this poll, right until he steps on a plane to head south.

Significant gains must be made in Western Australia, NSW and – more unlikely – Victoria if he has any chance of unseating Mr Albanese.

In his approach to opposition Mr Dutton has combined a series of calculated political decisions and an ability to take the temperature of the electorate to repeatedly put the Coalition on the right side of voters and keep focus on the government. From the Voice to waving through Labor’s revamped stage three tax cuts, he has given the opposition breathing room to unify and prepare for the next election.

With this state sewn up, Mr Dutton faces a mammoth task in southern states if he’s to swap the keys to fortress Queensland with ones to The Lodge.