Newspoll: No net gain for Labor in wake of tax reset, immigration and inflation issues

Latest polling data shows support for Labor has dropped ahead of a high-stakes Melbourne by-election.

Labor’s primary vote has dropped to 33 per cent ahead of Saturday’s Dunkley by-election, a major indicator of the leadership landscape for 2024.

An exclusive Newspoll conducted for The Australian shows a one-point fall in support for Labor since the previous poll, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval ratings remaining in negative territory.

The Coalition’s primary vote is unchanged at 36 per cent. Labor has maintained its 52-48 per cent lead on a two-party preferred basis.

Tax cuts have failed to lift Anthony Albanese’s fortunes. Picture: AAP

The latest results show the government has failed to improve its position overall since December, with little positive impact on Labor’s popularity from last month’s income tax cut announcement in favour of lower and middle-income earners. 

The release of documents showing that the government had released 149 immigration detainees since last year’s High Court decision, including convicted murderers and rapists, has also placed a shadow on the government.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s approval ratings are unchanged. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

The arrival of an asylum seeker boat on the Australian mainland suggested the federal government was weak on border control. 

The cost of living remains the primary concern of a majority of voters, with the Coalition highlighting the disparity tax cut benefits and the loss of disposable income due to inflation.

Labor’s current position remains consistent with its election result of 33 per cent which saw it win with a slim majority on its lowest ever primary vote.

The Coalition’s primary vote of 36 also remains at election levels, which saw its parliamentary representation fall to the party’s lowest.

Labor remains in an election winning position according to the latest poll and has regained its losses from a November poll where Labor’s primary vote fell then to 31 per cent, with the Coalition rising to 38 per cent and the two-party preferred contest dropped to 50-50.

However, Labor has failed to improve its overall position since the election.

In the current poll, Mr Albanese’s personal approval ratings rose a point to 43 per cent, while his dissatisfaction ratings remained at 51 per cent, giving the Prime Minister a net negative approval rating of minus eight.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s approval ratings are unchanged at 37 per cent, with a one-point rise in dissatisfaction to 51 per cent, and a net approval rating of minus 14.

Mr Albanese is up one point to 47 per cent as preferred PM and Mr Dutton remains on 35 per cent.