Support for Anthony Albanese’s Labor government has fallen to a record low in New South Wales, which could cost it up to four seats at the next election.
A Newspoll analysis published on Sunday revealed that Labor’s primary vote in New South Wales has fallen to just 30 per cent, marking a record low.
The poll shows the Coalition has gained a slight lead in New South Wales with 51 per cent support on a two-party preference basis, compared to Labor’s 49 per cent.
In Victoria, traditionally a Labor Party stronghold, the party’s primary vote also fell to a new low of 31 per cent, below the national average.
While Labor still leads in the state with 52 per cent on a two-party preference basis, the Coalition has closed the gap, falling behind on 48 per cent.
Support for Anthony Albanese’s Labor government has plummeted to its lowest level on record in New South Wales, and the Labor Party has also taken a hit in Victoria.
For the first time, Peter Dutton becomes the preferred prime minister among voters aged between 50 and 64.
The sharp drop in support for the Labor Party may be linked to the current cost of living crisis.
Furthermore, the rise in votes for a Muslim party in the eastern states suggests that Labour’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza may have alienated parts of its traditional ethnic voter base.
The fall in the Labor primary vote is also closely linked to a decline in personal support for Anthony Albanese.
The Prime Minister recorded a five-point drop in his ratings, resulting in a slim gain for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
The Labor Party has also lost popularity in Western Australia, which could see the party lose up to two seats.
As a result, the Coalition now has a two-party preference advantage among these voters: 55 per cent support the Coalition compared to 49 per cent for Labour. This marks an increase from a previous lead of 51 percent to 49 percent since June.
Peter Dutton is now seen for the first time as the preferred prime minister by voters aged 50 to 64.
Additionally, for the first time since the last election, the Coalition overtook Labor in the primary vote among voters aged 35-49.
The unprecedented swing against the Labor Party could be attributed to the cost of living crisis which has greatly affected the working class demographic.