NSW coalition slips against Labor in poll, as leaders launch official campaigns

Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s hold on power under threat as poll shows the Coalition is trailing Labor 49 to 51, two weeks from the NSW election.

A new poll has revealed that Labor leader Michael Daley is ahead as preferred NSW premier following Premier Gladys Berejiklian being subject to scrutiny for splashing cash on the demolition and reconstruction of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. Picture: News Corp

A poll has given Labor a two-point lead over the coalition two weeks out from the NSW state election.

Labor leads the coalition 51 to 49 per cent on a two-party preferred basis, according to the UComms/ReachTel poll carried out for the Sun-Herald. In a worry for Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Labor leader Michael Daley is also ahead as preferred premier.

The coalition’s primary vote has dropped to 28.7 per cent from 32.1 per cent in December while Labor’s remains steady at 34.1 per cent.

A loss of six seats would push the coalition into minority while Labor would need to win nine to form a minority government.

The poll canvassed 1019 voters state-wide on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, the prime minister and federal opposition leader have flown into NSW to support the Liberal and Labor state election campaign launches.

Scott Morrison will join Premier Gladys Berejiklian at the Liberal campaign launch in Sydney’s southwest on Sunday ahead of the March 23 poll. Meanwhile, Bill Shorten will speak at the NSW Labor campaign launch with opposition leader Michael Daley, also to be held in Sydney’s southwest, at Revesby.

The premier will use the launch to announce a new program which will give every child in NSW access to before-and-after school care by 2021. Under the program, every primary school will open playgrounds, classrooms and halls so children can be cared for from 7am until 6pm, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Education will be a key part of Mr Daley’s speech with the opposition leader to pledge $2.7 billion to fully fund public schools and bring them in line with the Gonski commitment.

The extra funds will mean 100 per cent of the standard level of funding for every student is delivered by 2027, according to the Sun-Herald. Mr Daley will also announce that if elected, Labor will introduce nurse-to- patient ratios in mental health units in the state’s hospitals. While Sunday’s events may signal the beginning of an official launch, campaigning has been under way for months as leaders battle it out in a bid to win over voters.

AAP