The Australian Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has seen an increase in its primary vote, climbing from 30 percent to 33 percent, according to a Newspoll survey. This gain coincides with a drop in support for Pauline Hanson's One Nation, whose primary vote fell from 31 percent to 29 percent. The poll, which surveyed 1,235 voters nationwide, also revealed a historic low for the Coalition, which recorded a primary vote of just 17 percent.
Prime Minister Albanese's personal approval ratings have also improved, lifting from a record low of -24 to -17. Forty percent of voters now express satisfaction with his performance, while 57 percent are unsatisfied. These shifts follow recent government decisions to alter policies on capital gains tax discounts and negative gearing, changes that were made after initial promises not to adjust them during the last election.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the contentious nature of these policy adjustments. "When you're addressing this broken status quo - in our case in the housing market and in the tax system - it's hotly contested, it's contentious, it involves some level of political risk," he stated last week, as the legislation for these changes passed.
One Nation's decline in popularity appears linked to recent public statements by Pauline Hanson, including a controversial address advocating for Australia to abandon multiculturalism in favor of a 'monoculture.' This speech drew criticism, with Australian actor Paul Hogan describing it as outdated and unrealistic. Hanson's net approval rating now stands at -3, with 49 percent of voters dissatisfied with her performance, compared to 46 percent satisfied.
Conversely, the Coalition has experienced a significant downturn. Opposition leader Angus Taylor's net approval rating has reached a new low since he assumed the leadership in February, with 31 percent of voters satisfied and 51 percent unsatisfied with his performance. The Greens hold 13 percent of the primary vote, with other parties accounting for the remaining eight percent.
The Newspoll survey also explored voter motivations. Among One Nation voters, 38 percent cited understanding them as people as the most important factor in their voting decision, and 42 percent preferred clear and realistic policies. This contrasts with Labor and Coalition voters, where 61 percent and 63 percent, respectively, prioritized better policies. Only 14 percent of Labor voters and 13 percent of Coalition supporters felt being understood was the most crucial element.
In a head-to-head comparison for preferred prime minister, Albanese widened his lead over Taylor by 11 points. When Hanson was included in the preference question, Albanese was favored by 49 percent of voters, followed by Hanson at 31 percent, and Taylor at 20 percent.