Despite the Liberal Party claiming victory in the Tasmanian state election, a new national Newspoll reveals a troubling trend for the Coalition, with support plunging to its lowest level in nearly four decades.
The poll, published by The Australian, shows the Coalition’s primary vote has dropped to just 29 per cent, lower than its historic 32 per cent result at the May federal election — a figure already regarded as its worst-ever performance.
In contrast, Labor’s primary vote has risen to 36 per cent, while the Greens remain steady at 12 per cent. On a two-party-preferred basis, Labor now leads the Coalition 57 to 43 per cent, widening its margin from the election result.
The Newspoll is the first national gauge of voter sentiment since the federal election, and comes as Parliament prepares to sit for the first time under the 48th Parliament. Labor now holds 94 seats in the House of Representatives, while the Coalition is reduced to just 43.
Experts believe that these results reflect a growing voter disillusionment with the federal opposition, despite the Tasmanian Liberals’ narrow lead in Saturday’s state election. There, Premier Jeremy Rockliff declared victory after the Liberals emerged with the most seats, though falling short of a majority. Labor, led by Dean Winter, suffered its worst primary vote in over a century, recording just 26.1 per cent.
Meanwhile, Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who recently took over from Peter Dutton, has yet to make a significant impression. Her approval rating sits at 35 per cent, while 23 per cent of voters remain undecided about her leadership. In comparison, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s net approval has improved from minus 10 before the election to neutral, with 47 per cent of voters satisfied with his performance.
Labor’s lead is bolstered by the government’s push to restore Australia’s trade ties with China. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland defended PM Albanese’s recent high-level visit to Beijing, saying it was aimed at “creating jobs and extra trade opportunities,” and noting that over $20 billion in trade impediments have been lifted since the Coalition’s term.
The combined Labor and Coalition primary vote now sits at 65 per cent, the lowest combined level in Newspoll history, reflecting a continuing drift of voters toward minor parties and independents.
Despite winning the Tasmanian election, the broader political landscape presents a sobering outlook for the Liberals, with the national data showing a party struggling to regain trust and relevance.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
