Abbott’s popularity under fire, says Nielsen survey
27 Nov 2013 4:22 AM IST
Australia’s new conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott has lost the lead which swept him to power in September, with voters unconvinced by his response on asylum-seekers and climate, a poll showed on Monday.
The first Nielsen poll since the 7 September election, published in Fairfax newspapers, puts the opposition Labor Party ahead of Abbott’s Liberal/National coalition by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.
The Sydney Morning Herald said it was the first time in more than three years that Labor was in front.
‘It is a surprising result and I think in that case it’s always wise to wait and see if it’s confirmed by further polling,’ Nielsen’s research director John Stirton told broadcaster ABC.
‘But it does suggest that the Abbott government is having one of the shortest honeymoons probably in history.’
Abbott romped to victory at the election with 53.5 per cent of the vote, but his government has since been criticised over its handling of asylum-seekers arriving by boat while its plans to tackle climate change lack broad support.
Tensions have also risen with Indonesia over allegations that Australian intelligence targeted the phones of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his inner circle in 2009, claims which have enraged Jakarta.
The first Nielsen poll since the 7 September election, published in Fairfax newspapers, puts the opposition Labor Party ahead of Abbott’s Liberal/National coalition by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.
The Sydney Morning Herald said it was the first time in more than three years that Labor was in front.
‘It is a surprising result and I think in that case it’s always wise to wait and see if it’s confirmed by further polling,’ Nielsen’s research director John Stirton told broadcaster ABC.
‘But it does suggest that the Abbott government is having one of the shortest honeymoons probably in history.’
Abbott romped to victory at the election with 53.5 per cent of the vote, but his government has since been criticised over its handling of asylum-seekers arriving by boat while its plans to tackle climate change lack broad support.
Tensions have also risen with Indonesia over allegations that Australian intelligence targeted the phones of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his inner circle in 2009, claims which have enraged Jakarta.
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