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Poll shows PM a dud: Labor MP

The opposition's voter support level has inched up to its highest level since September last year, according to the latest Newspoll.

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Source: AAP


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Wise political hats know not to comment on opinion polls.

Newbie Labor MP Emma Husar learnt that lesson the hard way on Tuesday, triumphantly declaring the latest Newspoll showed Australians rate Malcolm Turnbull a "dud".

But while voter support for federal Labor has soared to its highest level since Mr Turnbull became prime minister, his approval rating is still higher than Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

When quizzed about that finding, Ms Husar told reporters in Canberra: "The polls also showed I was going to lose the election, they're a dime a dozen."

The western Sydney MP went on to use more standard lines, saying polls come and go and it was best not to give them much weight.

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Right on cue, Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek said the opposition was taking nothing for granted.

The poll has Labor leading the coalition 53-47 per cent on a two party preferred basis.

Satisfaction with Mr Turnbull lifted a point to 30 per cent, along with dissatisfaction (58 per cent), while Mr Shorten's approval rate is steady at 36 per cent as is his disapproval ranking (51 per cent).

Liberal MP Tony Pasin insisted he wasn't paying any notice to opinion polls this far out from am election.

"I'm more focused on the fruit and vegetable growers in my electorate who are worried about who is going to pick their fruit," he said, a reference to the ongoing uncertainty over tax arrangements for backpackers.


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