Voters mark down Shorten as Labor leader

A new poll by Essential Research shows voters have cooled on Bill Shorten as Labor leader and Malcolm Turnbull has only a narrow lead over Julie Bishop.

Bill Shorten is considered the best leader of the Labor party by 17% of voters, a survey has found. (AAP)

Bill Shorten is considered the best leader of the Labor party by only 17 per cent of voters, a new survey has found.

Half of all voters surveyed by Essential Research said either "someone else" or "don't know" when asked who should lead Labor.

With Mr Shorten's rating down 10 points since the July election, the next closest preferred leaders were Tanya Plibersek (14 per cent) and Anthony Albanese (12 per cent).

However, despite the drop, Labor leads the coalition 53-47 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

Malcolm Turnbull is rated best leader of the Liberals by 21 per cent of voters, compared with his deputy Julie Bishop, who is preferred by 20 per cent.

The prime minister's rating is down nine points since the election.

Former leader Tony Abbott's support sits at 11 per cent, while 43 per cent prefer "someone else" or "don't know".

Primary vote support for minor parties sits at 26 per cent, comprising 11 per cent for the Greens, six per cent for One Nation, six per cent for "other/independent" and three per cent for the Nick Xenophon Team.