Turnbull faces net disapproval

The prime minister's net approval rating has slipped into negative territory.

Malcolm Turnbull's disapproval as prime minister has edged ahead of his approval rating for the first time.

The latest Essential poll published on Tuesday shows 42 per cent of voters disapprove of his job, while 40 per cent approve.

At its peak in November 2015, Mr Turnbull's approval rating was 56 per cent to 17 per cent disapproval.