Your say: Aussies reveal if budget will change their vote

Readers have had their say on how the March 25 budget may play a part in who they vote for in the federal election. See the issues that matter to them most.

A majority of readers say that the outcome of the March 25 budget will not change how they plan to vote in the federal election.

Eighty-six per cent of readers who responded to a News Corp Australia poll said seeing the March 25 budget, would not change their vote, while just 9 per cent said their voting choice would be impacted.

It comes after a recent Newspoll survey, conducted by The Australian, revealed a hung parliament is still the most likely outcome of the federal election, which is now scheduled for May.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The survey shows a lift in support for Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister – but not enough to win.

However, a majority of voters don’t believe the Coalition is ready to rule the nation despite the Liberal/Nationals’ seven-point primary vote lead over Labor.

The story attracted more than 1400 comments, here is what you said.

PETER DUTTON

Jen

“I want a leader that governs for all Australians, not based on the colour of your skin or religion.

“I want a leader that leads with Australian values, not a confused wimp that doesn’t have the courage to stand for anything.

“Dutton is that leader.”

John

“I’m not sure if Dutton is ready — still seems to be a ‘not Labor’ when hard decisions need to be taken.

“I will give Dutton a chance — if he becomes a dud like Albanese then he will lose my vote next election.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Kay

“Peter Dutton will make a fine PM and is the leader Australia desperately needs after a term of insipid Albanese.”

ShazzaC

“Definitely Dutton for us, we need a change, however Libs need to get out there and start to be more vocal and remind everyone of how bad things are as a lot of voters have very short memories.”

P

“I will be voting Coalition, Teals and Greens last then Labor. But some bold policies please Mr Dutton!”

Sophie

“The Liberals’ policies should be well though out not just ‘it seemed like a good idea at the time’ thought bubbles.”

ANTHONY ALBANESE

Bowen

“Albanese has been catastrophe for Australia — from the divisive Voice to cost of living and the madcap net-zero, Dutton couldn’t possibly be as bad.”

Robert

“Albanese is a total fool.”

Julian

“Voters in general might not dislike Labor or Liberals for that matter but what all the polls show is that a lot of people despise Albo.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a visit to the Logan disaster management centre. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s considered to be weak, divisive, non committal and his ‘my poor upbringing in social housing’ rants ran thin a long time ago.

“If Labor changed leaders, as much as I hate to say it, I think they’d probably win relatively comfortably.”

Peregrine

“The point is that we’ve had three years of Albo and he’s been a disaster. He is indecisive, prone to sit on the fence when important decisions need to be made.

“Australians are suffering the consequences of his lack of leadership. He has proven himself to be unfit to lead. Australia needs a change of government.”

COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Mark

“Everything seems so expensive now compared to my income. Life has definitely become tougher over the Albanese government rule. Crime much worse also.”

Steve

“How anyone can even think of voting Labor back in beggars belief. Do people really want the cost of living to continue to grow? Elections have consequences, think before you cast your vote!”

Households are under pressure with the impact of the high cost of living and rising food costs. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

RENEWABLE ENERGY VS NUCLEAR POWER

Peter

While critics may call Dutton’s nuclear policy a “fantasy,” the reality is that energy policy in Australia is in dire need of long-term solutions beyond short-term renewables. Nuclear energy is successfully used in many advanced economies, and dismissing it without discussion is shortsighted.

CYCLONE ALFRED

War is here

“Albanese simply got in the way during the Cyclone Alfred debacle.

“Turned up for photo opportunities yet could not answer a question and eyes rolling behind him at press conferences demonstrated how much he wasn’t needed.

“If you fell for this performance, you are easily manipulated.”

Housing pressures are also at the forefront of voters’ minds. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

HUNG PARLIAMENT

David

“Voters have been warned about the risks of a hung parliament run by the Greens and Teals. “Voters should be aware that they are worse off under Albanese’s Labor government, particularly on energy policy.”

LABOR AND CHINA

Mark

“Albo has shown us how not to run a country ... he allowed China to play war games in our waters, is that our future?”

IMMIGRATION

Neil

“Younger voters ... might definitely regret a Labor Government that has done nothing to curb immigration, which puts pressure on housing and jobs as well as wages, more pressure on the environment and a divided country.”

Originally published as Your say: Aussies reveal if budget will change their vote