Support for Anthony Albanese’s Labor government has fallen to a record low in NSW, which could cost him up to four seats in the next election.
A Newspoll analysis published on Sunday revealed that Labor’s primary vote in NSW has dropped to just 30 per cent, marking a historic low.
The poll shows the Coalition has gained a slight lead in NSW with 51 per cent support on a two-party-preferred basis, compared to Labor’s 49 per cent.
In Victoria, traditionally a stronghold for Labor, the party’s primary vote has also dropped to a new low of 31 per cent – below the national average.
While Labor still leads in the state at 52 per cent on a two-party-preferred basis, the Coalition has closed the gap, trailing at 48 per cent.
Support for Anthony Albanese ‘s Labor government has plummeted to its lowest level on record in NSW, with the Labor party also taking a hit in Victoria
For the first time ever, Peter Dutton has become the preferred prime minister among the 50 to 64-year-old voters
The sharp decline in support for Labor may be tied to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Additionally, the rise in votes for a Muslim party in eastern states suggests that Labor’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza may have alienated parts of its traditional ethnic voter base.
The drop in Labor’s primary vote is also closely connected to a decline in personal support for Anthony Albanese.
The Prime Minister recorded a five-point decline in his ratings, resulting in a minimal gain for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
Labor has also lost popularity in Western Australia, which could potentially see the party losing up to two seats.
As a result, the Coalition now holds a two-party-preferred lead among these voters, with 55 per cent supporting the Coalition compared to 49 per cent for Labor. This marks an increase from a previous lead of 51 per cent to 49 per cent since June.
Peter Dutton is now viewed as the preferred prime minister by voters aged 50 to 64 for the first time ever.
Additionally, for the first time since the last election, the Coalition has edged ahead of Labor in the primary vote among voters aged 35 to 49.
The unprecedented turn against Labor could be attributed to the cost-of-living crisis which has largely affected the working-class demographic