Newspoll: Support for Labor falls to post-election low

The cost of living crisis has begun to impact the government and push voters towards independents and minor parties, a Newspoll reveals.

Widespread support for Labor has fallen to its lowest level since the 2022 federal election as the cost of living crisis begins to impact the government and push voters towards independents and minor parties.

An exclusive Newspoll conducted for The Australian reveals Labor’s primary vote has fallen two points to 36 per cent, marking its weakest result since it won office with base support of 32.6 per cent.

The fall in support for Labor follows a dip in Anthony Albanese’s approval ratings in the previous poll in June and which remain at the lowest levels since he was elected as Prime Minister in May 2022.

Mr Albanese’s approval rating in the latest survey remains at 52 per cent while those dissatisfied with his performance fell one point to 41 per cent, giving the prime minister a net approval rating of plus 11.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has suffered a softening of support in the latest Newspoll. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Coalition has also lost approval nationally, falling to 34 per cent after the findings aimed at the former Coalition government by the Robodebt royal commission.

Peter Dutton’s approval ratings fell two points to 36 per cent while his dissatisfaction rating remained stayed 49 per cent, giving him a net negative approval rating of minus 13.

Mr Albanese rose two points as preferred prime minister to 54 per cent while Mr Dutton dropped three points to 29 per cent.

The latest poll demonstrated a three-point rise in support for minor parties and independents, suggesting voter backlash against the two major parties over inflation, interest rates, the voice to parliament and Robodebt, among other issues.

Support for the Greens lifted one point to 12 per cent. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation lifted a point to 7 per cent, and support for other minor parties and independents rose a point to 11 per cent.

Preferences are still likely to go to Labor, however, which has improved its two-party-preferred margin over the Coalition by two points to 55-45.

Pauline Hanson at Runaway Bay Community Centre to campaign for One Nation candidate Sandy Roach in the seat of Fadden. Picture: Glenn Hampson

On Sunday, the Coalition claimed a “strong” victory in the Fadden by-election forced by the resignation of former minister Stuart Robert.

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley said it was a “terrific result” and a “strong endorsement of Peter Dutton”.

“We don’t know how big the swing will be, but we’re talking about a swing to the LNP around 2 to 3 per cent,” Ms Ley said, according to The Australian.

“What I saw in Queensland and what I know I’m going to see the rest of this week is a strong endorsement of Peter Dutton, of our team, and of our candidates.”

The Newspoll was conducted between July 12 and July 15 and surveyed 1570 voters throughout Australia.