Labor's Poll Numbers Slip as Cost-of-Living Pain Mounts
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Labor's primary vote has fallen to 27 percent, matching its lowest point since Anthony Albanese took office, as rising interest rates and broader economic strain deepen public frustration with the government.
Labor's primary vote has fallen to 27 percent, equaling its lowest level since Anthony Albanese assumed office in 2022, according to the latest Newspoll. The result leaves the party just one point above its worst-ever poll result, underscoring a government struggling to convince voters it has any real answer to the cost-of-living crisis. The Coalition's support has risen to 21 percent, while the Greens have slipped to 13 percent, and support for minor parties and independents has climbed to 11 percent.
As households brace for a possible fifth interest rate hike this year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is under intense scrutiny, with a net approval rating of minus 16, making him the lowest-ranked senior minister in the poll. Albanese's own net approval rating has also dropped to minus 23, with 36 percent of voters satisfied with his performance and 59 percent dissatisfied. His lead over Angus Taylor as preferred prime minister has narrowed to 42 percent to 40 percent.
The poll points to wider problems for Labor, with 54 percent of voters unaware of Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles or Health Minister Mark Butler. Against this backdrop, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has denied reports of a rift between Albanese and Chalmers over public spending. Gallagher described their relationship as "very professional and respectful," while stressing that discussions inside the government can be robust.
Chalmers acknowledged his part in Labor's worsening poll numbers, saying, "it’s only right and only fair that I put my hand up and take responsibility for my share of that." He added that views on where responsibility lies differ across the government.
Looking ahead, the Reserve Bank is expected to lift the official cash rate from 4.6 percent to 4.85 percent after the latest inflation figures. HSBC's chief economist Paul Bloxham warned that this could raise the risk of a recession by March 2027, pointing to the cooling housing market as a major factor shaping the economic downturn.