New poll shows Labor losing ground ahead of key Dunkley byelection, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval remains in negative

The poll, conducted for The Australian, appeared to show the government’s changes to the stage three tax cuts have done little to boost its political fortunes, with no significant changes to its position since December.

Labor saw its share of the primary vote fall one per cent from the previous poll, with the party now sitting at 33 per cent compared to the Coalition’s 36 per cent share.

The drop widens the gap between both major parties after Labor had regained some ground in December and February.

It suggests the government has failed to persuade voters with its stage three tax cut changes, announced in January, despite the amendments enjoying support from a majority of Australians.

Political pressure over the handling of released immigration detainees, including some convicted of rape, murder and other serious crimes, as well as the arrival of more than 40 asylum seekers in remote Western Australia have acted as a drag on the government’s political momentum.

However, the poll suggests Labor remains in an election winning position, with its primary share in line with results from the last election.

The Coalition is also sitting at about the level seen more than 18 months ago, which saw the party’s parliamentary representation fall to its lowest level since it was formed.

Amongst the minor parties, the Greens held steady at 12 per cent, One Nation lost a point to sit at six per cent and the independents, which includes the Teals, gained two points to sit at 13 per cent.

Despite their falling primary vote, Labor has managed to maintain its lead over the Coalition on a two-party preferred basis, 57 per cent to 48, with the measure unchanged since December.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also maintained his lead over opposition leader Peter Dutton in the race for preferred Prime Minister, gaining a point since the last poll to sit at 47 per cent compared to Mr Dutton’s 35 per cent.

However, Mr Albanese’s personal approval rating remained in negative territory despite a slight uptick in support.

The Prime Minister gained a point of approval in the latest poll, bringing him to 43 per cent, but dissatisfaction with Mr Albanese remains at 51 per cent, resulting in a net approval rating of minus eight per cent.

Mr Albanese has seen a sharp decline in his overall approval since October last year, with the Prime Minister’s approval dropping by ten points between that poll and the following voter survey in November.

Despite this, he remains ahead of Mr Dutton, who’s net approval rating sat at minus 14 per cent in the latest poll.

Mr Dutton’s approval remained steady at 37 per cent, but the opposition leader saw dissatisfaction with his performance rise one point to 51 per cent.