Labor holds a clear poll lead over the coalition as Treasurer Scott Morrison prepares to release his second budget.
The latest Essential poll released on Tuesday gives Labor a 54-46 two-party preferred lead over the coalition.
In primary terms, the Liberal-National coalition sits on 37 per cent, while Labor holds 38 per cent and the Greens are on 10 per cent.
Malcolm Turnbull's preferred prime minister lead slipped over the month.
While 39 per cent of voters prefer Mr Turnbull, 31 per cent (up three points) rate Bill Shorten and 30 per cent did not state a preference.
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As the government seeks to make education funding a highlight of the budget, 56 per cent of voters disapproved of cutting university funding and 60 per cent objected to higher fees for degrees.
Asked whether it was the wrong set of priorities to give businesses a tax break while cutting university funding, 57 per cent agreed.
But there was stronger support for a reduction in the income threshold at which student loans must start to be paid off, with 47 per cent in favour and 44 per cent against.
