It is not about poll numbers: PM spruiks poll positive

The Prime Minister says his message on the economy and border security is resonating, despite a disappointing Newspoll.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he’s not focusing on the numbers after the latest Newspoll. Picture: Rob Blakers/AAP

Scott Morrison is spruiking the few positives that have come out of today’s disappointing Newspoll for his government, declaring voters think he is better at handling the economy and national security.

The Prime Minister used a reference from last year’s AFL grand final — a sport he has previously claimed to know nothing about — to play down his failure to claw back ground in the two-party preferred figure despite Labor’s softening on offshore detention dominating the agenda in the past fortnight.

Labor remains in front 53 per cent to 47 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

“The election is in May. West Coast are behind at half time and there is still a long way to go,” Mr Morrison told Sky News.

“The only reference I would make to those numbers today is clearly what we are saying on the economy and the national security is resonating, when it comes to my plans and I welcome that.”

In the poll today, published in The Australian, Mr Morrison has lifted four points to 52 per cent in the space of just two weeks in voters’ estimation of his ability to manage the economy.

Mr Morrison lifted three points to 50 per cent compared to Mr Shorten on 28 per cent on the issue of national security

Mr Morrison denied being disappointed his tough stance on offshore detention did not lead to a boost in the two-party preferred figure.

“What border protection is about is border protection. It is about having integrity around border protection. That is why we do what we do,” Mr Morrison said.

“That is why we have always done what we have done. It is not about (poll) numbers. If you focus on these numbers then you do what Bill Shorten does every day and changes his position on Christmas Island. I mean what is his position today?”