Peter Dutton continues to make polling headway against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Aussies admit feeling jittery about the stunning White House return of Donald Trump.
The Coalition Opposition Leader’s personal approval rating was the big mover among 1621 voters surveyed in the latest Resolve Political Monitor poll for the Sydney Morning Herald.
The poll was conducted after Trump’s thumping US presidential election, where voters expressed trepidation about what the rogue Republican’s triumph would mean for .
The percentage of voters who believe Mr Dutton was doing a good job rose five points to 45 per cent.
Those who take a dim view of his performance fell from 41 to 39 per cent, giving Mr Dutton his strongest ever Resolve Political Monitor net approval of five per cent.
In comparison, Mr Albanese’s net performance rating has dropped to minus 14 per cent, even though the number who thought he was doing a good job rose from 35 to 38 per cent over the past month.
However, the two leaders are neck and neck at 37 per cent apiece as who would make the PM.
The result has led questions as to why Dutton’s approved personal rating hasn’t translate into substantial votes.
‘He’s certainly now viewed as stronger, more principled and competent (than previously) in our analysis,’ Resolve Director Jim Reed told the Sydney Morning Herald,
Mr Reed said voters still see Mr Albanese as a ‘nice guy’ that they rarely get angry at.
‘Instead, it’s like that most cutting remark made by parents – it’s not that they’re angry, just disappointed,’ Mr Reed said.
‘It’s the word that comes up most often. They were expecting something different.’
It comes as primary support for the Coalition has lifted to 40 per cent for the first time since the 2022 election in the latest Newspoll conducted for The n.
Mr Dutton’s net approval now surpasses Mr Albanese’s, as the Prime Minister’s personal ratings dip to a new low
Support for the Coalition firmed up with with a one point increase to 39 per cent, their highest Resolve result since the last federal election.
Labor’s support remained unchanged at 30 per cent while those backing the Greens declined from 12 to 11 per cent.
Mr Trump remains largely negatively viewed by ns with 54 per cent disapproving and 26 per cent were positive.
Less than 30 per cent felt Mr Trump’s second stint at President would be beneficial for compared to 40 per cent who fear a negative impact.
Mr Trump has threatened to impose across-the-board tariffs and voters were split on how to respond if this included n exports to the US.
While 46 per cent wanted to put retaliatory tariffs on US imports to , 43 per cent were unsure while 13 per cent were against any response in kind.
With Mr Trump stating his highest tariffs will be imposed on Chinese goods, 57 per cent of voters said should stay out of any developing conflict between the economic behemoths.
Mr Trump’s election has also weakened support for the AUKUS nuclear submarine defence pact with the US and UK.
Mr Reed said the poll results were in line with months of results showing that ns preferred Democrat candidate Kamala Harris over Mr Trump.
‘The fact that more ns believe this is a bad outcome for undoubtedly reflects a dislike of Trump and the fact that our political spectrum is centred more to the left,’ he said.
‘But there are also misgivings, or at least uncertainties, about what Mr Trump might do that will affect us on trade and defence.’
While 35 per cent wanted to press ahead with the deal, 27 per cent believed purchasing the submarines should be paused or halted.
Unlike the previous Biden Administration or beaten Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, Mr Trump has signalled he wants to withdraw US support for Ukraine’s fight against the invading Russians.
If this happens, 53 per cent still wanted to continue supporting Ukraine, while 19 per cent would follow the American lead by withdrawing military and other aid and 29 per cent were undecided.