For the first time in almost 18 months, more Australians approve of Anthony Albanese as the country's leader rather than disapprove.
According to the latest Guardian Essential poll, Albanese’s approval rating has risen four percentage points to 46% while his disapproval. This marks the highest approval rating for the prime minister since October 2023.
This rating comes after a month filled with turmoil like the floods in Queensland and Syndey following Cyclone Alred and the Labor government being unable to secure an exemption from Donald Trump’s aluminium and steel tariffs.
While Albanese’s approval ratings grow, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s falls. His disapproval rating currently sits at 46%, the highest it has been since April 2023.
The same trend can be seen with Albanese leading many of the major polls throughout March. This includes the Freshwater poll for the Financial Review, the national YouGov poll and the Morgan poll.
According to the Guardian poll, if the election were to be held right now, 29% would give Labor their primary votes and 35% would give it to the Coalition. On a two-party preferred bases the major parties are tied at 47% each, with 6% undecided.
Around 18% of respondents said they would vote for a minor or Independent party, with Greens on 12%.
One divisive announcement was Dutton’s plan for federal bureaucrats to go back to the office full-time. While 39% of voters disapproved the move and 31% approved it, there was a gender split with only 25% of women approving the idea and 37% supporting it.
Many Australians also believed that U.S. Donald Trump was bad for the economy and there were mixed reactions towards sending troops to Ukraine.
