Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced a significant setback in the latest polls, as support for the Coalition has surged to its highest level in nearly a year. The Australian Financial Review/Redbridge survey, released on Monday, shows Labor’s primary vote dropping to 26 percent, while the Coalition has gained 4 percent, reaching 25 percent. One Nation remains ahead with 28 percent, despite a slight decline of one point from the previous month. The Greens saw a modest increase, rising 2 percent to 13 percent.
The poll was conducted as the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates to 4.85 percent, the highest since 2008, marking the fifth rate hike this year. Redbridge director Kos Samaras noted that voter frustration over rising interest rates has bolstered support for One Nation and the Coalition. He observed that while One Nation’s support is driven by grievances, some voters are now seeking economic management, shifting focus from past issues to future concerns.
Another survey, the Resolve Political Monitor for The Sydney Morning Herald, revealed that 42 percent of voters blame the Labor government for the struggling economy. Only 20 percent of voters trust Albanese, who remains the preferred prime minister at a record low of 29 percent. Coalition leader Angus Taylor’s support rose 3 percent to 25 percent, while Pauline Hanson’s rating as preferred PM dropped 2 percent to 24 percent.
Pollster Jim Reed highlighted that Albanese’s personal standing is declining, partly due to perceived distractions from key issues like inflation and the impact of surprise tax changes and local grant programs. Despite Labor’s vote holding steady, the erosion of trust in the prime minister poses a significant challenge.