Majority unhappy with Australia’s direction, poll shows

A key poll is painting a grim picture for Anthony Albanese as Labor gears up for next year’s looming vote.

The Albanese government is in for a rough ride at next year’s looming federal vote, with a key poll showing most Australians are unhappy with the direction of the country.

Less than a third of respondents (31 per cent) to The Guardian’s final Essential poll of the year said the country was heading in the right direction, while dissatisfaction with Anthony Albanese’s performance grew slightly.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s net approval rating landed at -11, with 50 per cent unhappy with his performance and 39 per cent approving. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Of the respondents, 51 per cent said Australia was on the wrong track, and18 per cent said they were unsure.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s net approval rating landed at -11, with 50 per cent unhappy with his performance and 39 per cent approving.

Peter Dutton on the other hand inched up 2 points since November to 44 per cent.

Forty-one per cent disapproved, putting his net approval rating as opposition leader to +3.

Turning to the electorate, 47 per cent of respondents said 2024 was worse than they expected in January.

Peter Dutton has a reason to smile this Christmas. The poll shows he inched up 2 points since November to 44 per cent. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Just 20 per cent said it turned out better than expected, while 30 per cent said it was exactly as anticipated. Three per cent preferred not to say.

Despite the glum results, the outlook for 2025 was a tad brighter.

Thirty-seven per cent said they expected 2025 to be better, a marked improvement on last year by 13 points.

Twenty-five per cent said the new year would be no different, 21 per cent said it would be worse and 17 per cent said they were unsure.

The poll results came a day after the Australian Financial Review’s Freshwater Strategy poll showed most voters expected Labor to return as a minority government after next year’s federal election.