Labor holds on to narrow lead: poll

Labor had held on to a marginal lead over the coalition, but the latest opinion poll shows growing differences in voter support between the states.

The ALP is ahead of the coalition 51 per cent to 49 on a two-party preferred basis, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian on Wednesday.

The result has remained unchanged since the last poll, however since then the coalition has opened up a massive lead in Western Australia (58-42) and has held onto it's clear lead in Queensland (54-46). In NSW, the ALP has revived its two-party preferred lead of 51 per cent to 49, but the primary vote strongly favours the coalition.

Labor also continues to lead on a two-party preferred basis by 55 per cent to 45 in Victoria, and in Ms Gillard's home state of South Australia by 56 per cent to 44.

On the question of preferred prime minister, Mr Abbott is gaining ground in Queensland and Western Australia where Ms Gillard leads 44 per cent to 40.

The prime minister continues to be the favourite among young voters and women, while Mr Abbott is more popular among men and older voters.