Poll predicts minority government led by Peter Dutton

A new poll by The Australian Financial Review and Freshwater Strategy indicates that the majority of Australian voters believe the next government will be a minority one.

Despite both major party leaders aiming for majority governance, a Labor-led hung parliament remains a possibility according to the poll findings.

Currently, 54 percent of respondents foresee a minority government outcome, reflecting consistent expectations from last month’s survey.

The Coalition continues to lead Labor on a two-party-preferred basis, with results showing 51 percent for the Coalition to 49 percent for Labor.

In the same poll of 1051 voters taken over the weekend, primary votes stayed steady, with Labor at 30 percent, the Coalition at 40 percent, and the Greens at 14 percent.

Major change

If these results were mirrored on election day, Labor could see its seats drop from 78 to 71, while the Coalition could increase its seats from 57 to 67.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to call the election by May 17, but there is speculation he may move the date up, potentially bypassing the scheduled budget announcement in March.

To form a government, 76 seats are necessary. Although the poll indicates a lean towards Dutton leading the next government, a significant portion still expects a Labor-led minority governance.

In terms of personal qualities, Dutton outperforms Albanese on most indicators, except for being approachable and relatable.