Labor’s primary vote sinks to equal-lowest as Jim Chalmers is rated worst minister in latest Newspoll
Voters ranked the performance of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his cabinet in the latest Newspoll, revealing significant declines in support for Labor.
The poll shows Labor’s primary support at 27%, nearly matching its historic low of 26% from 2011, with Jim Chalmers identified as the least effective cabinet minister.
Additionally, 54% of voters reported they have never heard of Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles or Health Minister Mark Butler, indicating a concerning lack of recognition among key figures.
Labor’s net approval rating stands at minus 23, with only 36% of voters expressing satisfaction with Albanese’s performance compared to 59% who are dissatisfied.
Labor lows
Chalmers holds a net approval rating of minus 16, with dissatisfaction from 40% of voters.
Climate Minister Chris Bowen, who will lead at the upcoming UN COP31 summit, has a net approval rating of minus 13, with 32% of voters dissatisfied and approximately one-third not aware of him.
Marles, the Deputy PM, has 54% of voters unaware of him, a problem compounded by his affiliations with the Labor Right faction.
Butler shares this recognition issue, with 54% of voters not knowing him, reflecting broader concerns about Labor’s visibility.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong is well known, with only 11% of voters unaware, and she has a net approval rating of plus 2.
The Coalition’s support has increased slightly, with the primary vote rising to 21%.
The Greens have seen a minor decrease to 13%, with support for minor parties and independents increasing to 11%.
In a head-to-head comparison, Albanese leads Mr Taylor by two points, contrasting with a nine-point lead from late August.
Despite a recent recovery in approval, Mr Taylor still trails in preference as a prime minister.
Labor anticipates further poll declines amidst rising inflation and geopolitical conflicts, which could see its primary vote further diminish.
The ALP’s primary vote drop from 37% last October signifies a worrying trend that could echo past lows.
