Newspoll: Scott Morrison proves he’s the man for coronavirus crisis

Scott Morrison’s political resurrection has been as dramatic as it has been profound.

It is ironic that it has taken a crisis to achieve it.

Only two months ago, his leadership appeared to have been permanently jeopardised by the other crisis. Bushfires.

Now he is presenting as a wartime leader who has captured the nation’s attention in its greatest time of need.

Over the past four weeks, Morrison has built a national consensus around his handling of the pandemic and inspired a renewed confidence in his leadership.

The latest Newspoll is one of the more extraordinary in contemporary politics.

Having fallen behind Anthony Albanese as preferred prime minister in January, a feat not easily achieved, Morrison’s approval rating has skyrocketed to levels last experienced by Kevin Rudd in 2009 during the global financial crisis.

This is a flight to incumbency and a reflection of the community’s craving for direction and muscular governance.

So far, it would appear Morrison has taken the country with him on the most difficult journey a political leader will undertake during our lifetime.

Support for the $130bn JobKeeper scheme is overwhelming. There is confidence in the government’s mission to preserve life and prevent the collapse of the economy. And there is a rare level of trust that the government is doing everything it can to stop the spread of this virus.

Over-interpretation is not necessary. The polls suggest people have found this in Morrison and the team he has around him.

And this is critical. If the Prime Minister is to remain confident he is making the right decisions, he must know he has the support of the people.

It is early days. We are but two months into this watershed moment that will test not only the resolve and competence of government but the fortitude and patience of us all. This will doubtless be put to the test.

There is a potential tipping point coming where the hardships of isolation, financial stress and the imposition on civil liberties clash with the public accord to halt the contagion.

Morrison has been ahead of the curve so far. His challenge now is to remain so, and retain the trust that Australians appear to have afforded him.