As federal politicians reconvene in Parliament this week, they are confronted by a startling new poll revealing a significant shift in political support. One Nation is experiencing a surge in popularity, which is contributing to the decline of the former Coalition parties’ influence.
This latest polling data presents additional challenges for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, whose personal approval ratings have plummeted to all-time lows.
The rift between the former Coalition partners appears to have disillusioned voters. Support for the Liberal Party has plunged by seven percentage points since December, now standing at just 17 percent in primary votes. When combined with the Nationals, the total support reaches only 19 percent.
In stark contrast, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has seen a dramatic uptick in support, rising by 9 percentage points to reach 26 percent. This surge positions it as the second most popular political party.
Meanwhile, support for the Labor Party remains stable at 34 percent, while the Greens have experienced a slight decline, dropping 2 percentage points to 11 percent.
The poll delivers another setback for Ley’s leadership, with only 9 percent of respondents favoring her as the preferred prime minister, compared to Anthony Albanese, who leads with 37 percent.
Last month’s Coalition break-up also triggered a crisis in the National Party with David Littleproud set to face a leadership challenge.
Deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien says the research shows voters are fed up with the main parties, but it was too early to call a major seachange in Australian parties.
“People aren’t happy, with the two major parties … they can’t be ignored,” he told Today this morning.
“But at the same time we must be careful not to overly rely on them. It would have been around about this time last year that the polls had the Coalition winning election. That didn’t go too well.”
O’Brien and other senior Liberal MPs have declared Ley will not be facing a leadership challenge.
The political spotlight is likely to shift from her tomorrow if, as widely tipped, the Reserve Bank of Australia lifts interest rates, putting attention back on the Albanese government.
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