The coalition has slipped ahead of Labor in the polls for the first time in three months, as Malcolm Turnbull seized on positive economic news as a sign voters should stick with his government.
Jobs and economic growth have been at the heart of the election campaign so far, as Mr Turnbull argues trade deals and tax breaks will kick the economy along while Labor is promising more money for education and skills.
The latest Essential poll released on Tuesday has the coalition ahead of Labor 51-49 in two-party terms, where it hasn't been since February.
Mr Turnbull's approval has also shifted back to a net positive for the first time in two months, with his preferred prime minister rating 13 points higher than Mr Shorten's 27 per cent.
Announcing $20 million for child cancer research, the prime minister told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday export growth of 6.6 per cent over the year showed the need to endorse his economic plan.
"What we're asking the Australian people for on July 2 is the mandate to deliver on the strong economic growth that secures our future and provides the revenues we need," he said.
Mr Turnbull said Labor leader Bill Shorten, in contrast, was "declaring war on business" by objecting to a corporate tax cut even for small business.
"He's taking a thoroughly anti-business approach and that can only lead to slower economic growth, a weaker economy, weaker revenues for the government and less money to spend on schools and hospitals."
In making its decision on Tuesday to lift the minimum wage by $15.80 per week to $672.70, the Fair Work Commission said the economic outlook was "generally positive".
However, it said the "relative position of low-paid workers has deteriorated over the past decade".
The government is expected to receive more positive news on Wednesday with the release of the latest growth figures.
Campaigning in Cairns, Mr Shorten said a Labor government would allocate $1 billion of the existing northern Australia fund in tourism to boost jobs.
"This will generate jobs in the start of all these projects and there will be jobs at the end of these projects on an ongoing basis," he said.
"And it won't cost the $50 billion tax giveaway to the big end of town."
Labor also revealed the deficit levy - which the coalition wants to remove in 2017 - would be kept in place as the permanent top marginal tax rate.
Opposition workplace relations spokesman Brendan O'Connor said a Shorten government would make the budget savings and put in place programs to help the "working poor".
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