Newspoll reveals Labor, Anthony Albanese in lead over Scott Morrison’s Coalition in lead-up to election

A new poll has revealed who voters believe will win the next federal election. Here’s why it could be bad news for Scott Morrison.

Anthony Albanese is favourite among voters to win the next federal election, a new poll has revealed.

According to the latest Newspoll, 47 per cent of voters believe Labor will win the contest – expected to be held in March or May next year, while just 37 per cent believe the Coalition will claim victory.

It’s a similar figure to the lead-up to the 2017 contest, where 55 per cent of respondents believed Labor would win compared to 24 per cent the Coalition.

There has also been a substantial shift in approval for Mr Albanese, who now leads Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the first time since March last year.

Labor leads on a two-party preferred basis – 53 per cent compared to the Coalition’s 47 per cent – with a primary vote of 38 per cent.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is lagging behind Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese according to the latest Newspoll. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The shift in Mr Albanese’s approval follows a tumultuous final sitting fortnight in parliament, where Coalition MPs crossed the floor in protest of their party’s stance on vaccine mandates and to support a federal integrity commission.

The Liberals will need new candidates for the WA seat of Pearce and Flinders in Victoria after former attorney-general Christian Porter and Health Minister Greg Hunt announced their retirements.

Education Minister Alan Tudge also stood aside pending an investigating into allegations of emotional and physical abuse by his former staffer and lover, Rachelle Miller.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese delivered a speech to Labor supporters around his plans for Australia's future on Sunday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

The poll was conducted before Labor announced its new climate change policy on Friday.

Mr Albanese’s approval rating now sits at a net approval rating of minus six, a lead over Mr Morrison who has a minus eight figure.

Mr Morrison has yet to commit to an election date, but with parliament now finished for the year, both he and Mr Albanese have unofficially begun campaigning.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Bathurst on Sunday, going for a lap at the Bathurst 1000. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Mr Albanese delivered his party’s plan for the future on Sunday, saying he knew Australians wanted to put the past two years behind them.

“To do that, we need to put this government behind us,” he said.

“I want to help Australians do just that. I want to bring the nation together.

“At the next election, my team and I are asking Australians to choose a new direction for this country.”

Mr Morrison visited Bathurst and Forbes on Sunday, insisting his party’s plan was about giving Australians their “lives back”.

“What we’re about is getting government out of your lives, because I think Australians have had a gutful of government in their lives over the last few years, and they’re looking forward to getting back in the drivers seat,” he said.

Originally published as Newspoll reveals Labor, Anthony Albanese in lead over Scott Morrison’s Coalition in lead-up to election