Australia could be tracking towards a hung parliament and a minority Labor government after the next election, according to the latest Newspoll.
On a two-party preferred basis, the coalition is ahead 51-49, the latest Newspoll published in The Australian on Monday says.
The result is a 3.1 per cent swing against the Albanese government since 2022 and if repeated on election day could mean a hung parliament and Labor governing with support from independents.
An election is due to be held by May 17.
The poll found Labor’s primary vote has dipped two points to 31 per cent since December.
The coalition’s vote has remained stable on 39 per cent.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already started to make a re-election pitch to voters over the summer break.
He dismissed his underdog status saying he has been “underestimated my whole life”.
Last week he said he understood Australians were hurting and the cost of living was their number one concern.
Polling suggests inflation and the squeeze on household finances were turning Australians off Labor despite its investments in relief measures.
Many are expected to vote for independents and minor parties, increasing the likelihood of a minority government.
Mr Albanese’s approval ratings have plummeted to the lowest level since he took the top job, the Newspoll showed.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is closing the gap in the preferred PM stakes: 44-41.
On Saturday, Mr Dutton unveiled his new-look front bench, which includes a newly created Donald Trump-style “government efficiency” portfolio.
The Newspoll of 1259 voters was conducted between January 20-24.
Asked what’s likely to happen after this year’s election, 53 per cent of voters polled expected a coalition win versus 47 per cent predicting a Labor victory.
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