Newspoll: Labor holds big lead as approval for Scott Morrison rises

Labor has held onto its lead over the Coalition as preferred party however Scott Morrison’s appeal as preferred leader has also risen.

Scott Morrison’s approval rating has risen to its highest level this year despite a lift in support for Labor, which maintains a winning position just three weeks out from polling day.

An exclusive Newspoll in The Australian conducted at the halfway mark in the campaign shows Labor’s primary vote rising a point to 38 per cent, reversing its downward trend prior to the election being called.

Mr Morrison’s government has weathered the storm around rising costs of living and soaring inflation, maintaining popular support at 36 per cent.

Scott Morrison is still Australia’s preferred prime minister, however, Labor is maintaining its lead as preferred party. Picture: Jason Edwards

Labor has maintained its two-party-preferred vote lead of 53-47 as economic issues take centre stage.

If the election were held today the Coalition would lose 10 seats across the lower house.

Minor parties and independents are still attractive to a significant quantity of voters totally 26 per cent of the vote.

When asked if it was time for a change in government, 56 per cent said yes while 44 per cent said the Coalition should get back in.

Support for Mr Morrison has lifted with a five-point positive turnaround in approval of his performance.

With a satisfaction rating of 44 per cent and a dissatisfaction rating of 51 per cent, Mr Morrison is enjoying his strongest position this year.

Federal Opposition leader Anthony Albanese speaks during the Labor Party election campaign launch at Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

After a week in Covid-19 isolation, Opposition Leader Mr Albanese recorded a slight improvement, with a three point lift on his net satisfaction levels.

The Labor leader’s satisfaction rating also rose two points to 40 per cent and his dissatisfaction rating fell a point to 49 per cent. His net negative rating of minus 9 is now worse than Mr Morrison’s.

As preferred prime minister, Mr Morrison still leads by six points, losing a point on this measure to 45 per cent, while Mr Albanese gained two points to 39 per cent.