Anthony Albanese could be on course to become Prime Minister for a single term, with a new poll showing Labor’s primary vote fell in three key states.
The federal government is in serious trouble in the eastern states, where most of the seats are held: Labor has fallen to 24 per cent in Queensland, 28 in Victoria and 32 in New South Wales.
On a two-party preference basis, Labor is trailing the Coalition 57-43 in Queensland, trails 52-48 in Victoria and is tied 50-50 in New South Wales, all of which is good news for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
There is one major reason the government is stuck in a rut with elections scheduled for eight months from now: the cost of living. pressures.
The online survey for News LtdThe poll, which collected the opinions of 10,239 voters, followed the latest quarterly national accounts figures, which showed households cut back on spending as they grapple with inflation and high interest rates.
People who took the survey left comments that made it clear they were struggling.
“The price of things like food and fuel keeps going up,” one said.
Another added: “It’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet. Salaries remain high, but wages are not increasing.”
Anthony Albanese (pictured) could be on track to become a one-term premier as a new poll shows Labor’s primary vote has plummeted in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.
The poll, conducted by Sydney agency Wolf + Smith, showed support for One Nation rose by 4 per cent, the Greens by 1 per cent and green independents by 3 per cent.
The only silver lining for Labor in any state is South Australia, where its primary vote is 41 per cent, and 60 per cent on the measure preferred by both parties.
Nationally, the poll found Labor’s primary vote is just 29 percent, while the Coalition gets 36 percent.
The flow of preferences from Green and other voters means Labor still leads the Coalition by 51 to 49 on a two-party preference basis, which could lead to one side or the other forming a minority government, rather than winning outright.
Pollster Yaron Finkelstein said voters wanted Albanese and his colleagues to focus on the cost of living, housing and the economy.
“Labor came to power in 2022 with a historically low primary vote, so they cannot afford to backtrack like this,” he said. News Ltd.
“There’s no relief from this,” he said. “(Voters) don’t see any change in prices and they don’t see governments doing much about it.”
While most polls leading up to federal elections show a tangle of issues affecting voters, this poll is notable for the clear primacy of cost-of-living concerns over all other issues.
Cost of living was cited as the biggest concern by 41 percent of respondents, followed by housing and the economy at 10 percent each.
But other factors were also very important in some states, with crime and security being crucial for many Queensland voters.
The federal government is in serious trouble in the eastern states, where most of the seats are held, with Labor down to 24 per cent in Queensland, 28 in Victoria and 32 in New South Wales (pictured, Sydney residents).
Crime was cited as the key issue for 13 per cent of Queenslanders, and one of the top three concerns for 30 per cent of respondents there.
In South Australia, healthcare was a key issue for 25 per cent of voters, while in Tasmania, health came second behind cost of living.
Tasmania showed significant support for minor parties and independents: 11 per cent said they would vote for the Jacqui Lambie Red, the Greens with 14 per cent and a massive 15 per cent of people said they would vote independent.
Labor’s primary vote in the island state is 23 percent, while the Liberals’ is 32 percent.
