Anthony Albanese hits back after new poll shows who voters really want to run the country

Labor is trailing the Coalition in the polls as Australians remain concerned about the cost of living and interest rates.

On a two-party preferred basis, the government has 49 percent to the opposition’s 51 percent, the Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy poll shows.

Labor’s primary vote was 32 percent, against the Coalition’s 41 percent, and the Greens got 12 percent.

Asked about the poll on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Labor was focused on the needs of the Australian people.

“These are difficult times but we are determined to get it right and remain focused, not on divisive politics,” he told ABC radio.

“We’ll leave that to (Opposition Leader) Peter Dutton, we’re determined to focus on the needs of the Australian people.”

The survey of 1,061 voters was conducted between Friday and Sunday, following the return of the federal parliament last week.

The week was dominated by a rise in the unemployment rate, a warning from the central bank that it is unlikely to cut interest rates any time soon and disputes in parliament between Labor and the coalition over refugee visas, gambling reforms and the CFMEU.

According to the Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy poll, based on two-party preference, the government has 49 per cent to the opposition’s 51 per cent (pictured, Peter Dutton)

The poll also asked voters about their key issues.

When asked who would best handle cost of living pressures, 35 per cent of voters nominated the Coalition, 28 per cent leaned towards Labor and 37 per cent were unsure.

The result was similar when voters were asked which major party would be best at managing the economy overall.

But when asked about their preferred prime minister, 45 per cent of voters nominated Albanese, 41 per cent Dutton and 11 per cent neither.