By Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
The latest Nielsen poll brings more bad news for Labor, with the Coalition increasing its two-party lead to 53-47%, a fall in Kevin Rudd’s approval and Tony Abbott closing the gap as preferred PM.
A fortnight ago, the Coalition’s lead on a two party basis was 52-48%.
The latest poll shows a 3 percentage point swing to the opposition compared with the 2010 election and would deliver government with Labor losing about 10 seats (assuming the swing was uniform).
The ALP primary vote is down 2 points to 35% in a fortnight, according to the poll, reported in Fairfax Media. The Coalition is up a point to 47%.
Rudd’s approval is down 5 points to 43% and his disapproval is up 4 points to 51%. There has been little change in Abbott’s approval rating – it is down a point to 44%, while his disapproval is 52%. After Labor restoring Rudd to the leadership largely because of his electoral popularity, there is now virtually no difference in the two leaders' approval and disapproval ratings.
Rudd retains a narrow lead as preferred PM but has been pegged back. His rating fell 2 points to 48% while Abbott’s rose 3 points to 45%. The Greens are steady on 10% in the poll.
Tomorrow the campaign moves into its second last week, with the Liberals having their formal “launch” in Brisbane.
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has no relevant affiliations.
