Voters who gifted Scott Morrison his ‘miracle’ election win have turned their backs on the Prime Minister, a new poll has revealed.
In a sign cost of living will be front and centre during the election campaign, fresh analysis of The Australian’s Newspoll indicates support for the Coalition and Mr Morrison among working families has dropped.
Over the past three months, the Coalition has suffered a seven point fall among 35 to 49-year olds, with only 29 per cent now supporting the Liberals or Nationals.
Meanwhile, Labor has experienced a five point lift in support to 44 per cent in that demographic.
In December, voters in the group considered Mr Morrison their preferred Prime Minister, leading Anthony Albanese 45 to 35 per cent.
But Mr Albanese gained ground on Mr Morrison over the summer and is now leading as preferred Prime Minister 41 to 39 per cent.
More surprisingly, voters with an annual household incomes of more than $150,000 – which includes both single and dual income households – have also deserted the Coalition in favour of Labor.
The Newspoll analysis indicates a 12-point fall among those voters since December, dropping from 45 per cent to 33 per cent.
For the first time, Labor leads with this demographic, with a one point rise to 36 per cent.
Mr Albanese has increased his lead as preferred Prime Minister by 11 points, ahead of Mr Morrison 44-43 per cent.
Labor has also made significant inroads with voters without a tertiary education or xjmtzywtrade qualification, leading 44-34 per cent.
The only demographic the Coalition now leads the opposition is with the over 65s and Christian voters.
On a state-by-state basis, support for the government remains strong in Queensland, but faces a collapse in South Australia as foreshadowed by last week’s state election.
Support for Labor grew in Victoria and New South Wales, and remain unchanged in Western Australia.
Mr Morrison now trails the opposition leader as preferred Prime Minister in all states except Queensland.
The analysis follows Herald Sun polling of nine battleground electorates, which revealed Labor’s strong national support may not translate to votes in key seats.
It suggested while Labor was in the box seat to win Liberal-held Reid and Swan, the government had done enough to sway voters in Victoria’s Chisholm.
