Peter Dutton leads ahead of Anthony Albanese as preferred leader
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has slid ahead of Anthony Albanese as the nation’s preferred prime minister, according to the results of a new poll.
The latest Resolve political survey revealed Mr Dutton held a narrow lead with 36 per cent of voters support, slightly ahead of Mr Albanese’s 35 per cent.
It comes after the Liberal leader sharply rejected Labor’s climate policy last week, vowing to abandon its interim legislated carbon emissions target to focus on the economy.
The results of the poll, conducted for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, surveyed over 1,600 eligible voters last week.
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Mr Dutton revive a political battle over climate policy and immigration. NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia
The poll revealed Labor’s primary vote fell to 28 per cent, with the Coalition remaining at 36 per cent.
About 40 per cent of voters believed Mr Dutton and the Coalition would better manage the economy while 24 per cent preferred Mr Albanese and Labor.
A drop in approval over Labor’s economic policies come after its third federal budget which included a $300 power bill rebate, welfare support and tax cuts from July 1.
Voters preferred Labor’s take on climate issues. NCA NewsWire. Credit: News Corp Australia
In his budget reply Mr Dutton vowed to cut the permanent migration intake to shelve up housing stock and deploy nuclear energy to supplement Australia’s transition away from coal power.
When about Mr Albanese’s performance as prime minister about 36 per cent of voters said he was doing well, while 50 per cent believing he was doing poorly.
About 40 per cent of voters said Mr Dutton was doing a bad job as opposition leader while 42 per cent approved of his performance.
Both major parties held equal standing with backing from 32 per cent of the voters on the issue of jobs and wages.
Mr Albanese and Labor attracted more support on the issue of environment and climate, with 24 per cent of the vote in contrast to 22 per cent support for Mr Dutton and the Coalition.
The next federal election is due by May next year.