Arabic version: تراجع دعم حزب العمال في أحدث استطلاع «إسينشال»

According to The Guardian, Labor’s national primary vote fell five percentage points in a month to 26% in the latest Guardian Essential poll, while Anthony Albanese recorded his lowest approval rating as prime minister. The Coalition also registered a primary vote of 26%, rising from 22% in July, while One Nation was on 23%.

One Nation’s result was five points below its 28% peak in May, despite the party winning Saturday’s Secret Harbour byelection in Western Australia. The poll, which surveyed more than 1,000 Australians and has a margin of error of about 3%, put Labor down from 31%.

Thirty-five per cent of respondents approved of Albanese’s performance and 56% disapproved. Essential Media executive director Peter Lewis said debate over cutting net overseas migration had damaged Labor’s standing. He said the poll showed movement away from the government towards One Nation and the Coalition as a “messy immigration debate swirls”.

Lewis said 59% of voters believed the nation was on the wrong track, the lowest national mood recorded since tracking began in 2022. He cited cost of living, global uncertainty and high concern about AI’s impact on work. The poll also found more than 70% wanted greater control over material shown in their social media feeds, while 4% disagreed. Fifty-five per cent said violence against women had increased in Australia in recent years.

Voters were divided on opposition leader Angus Taylor, with 33% approving of his performance and 35% disapproving. On unions, 9% said they were current members, while 56% said unions remained important for working people. Nearly 40% said workers would be better off if unions were stronger, compared with 30% who said they would be worse off.