Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has experienced a significant setback as the Coalition recorded its lowest-ever primary vote in the history of Newspoll. Conducted by The Australian from September 25 to 28, 2023, the poll revealed that the Coalition’s primary vote has dropped to just 27 percent, marking a historic low since the polling organization began in 1985. Meanwhile, the Labor Party continues to dominate with a primary vote of 58 percent in the two-party preferred category.
This disappointing outcome follows a tumultuous week for Ley, particularly highlighted by her decision to remove Jacinta Price from the opposition frontbench. Price’s dismissal came after she declined to publicly support Ley’s leadership and faced criticism for comments made during a September 3 interview. In that interview, Price had controversially stated that the Albanese Government was allowing a high number of Indian migrants to enter Australia because they were perceived as “more Labor leaning.”
Ley’s leadership has come under scrutiny, with her net approval rating plummeting to -17. According to the poll, nearly 49 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with her performance. In contrast, Labor’s primary vote remains stable at 36 percent, reinforcing their position as the leading party.
In light of the Coalition’s struggles, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation appears to be gaining ground, with its primary vote rising to 10 percent, an increase from 6.4 percent during the Federal election in May. Additionally, the Greens have secured 13 percent of the primary vote, while other minor parties and independents collectively garnered 14 percent.
Ley’s decision to remove Price highlights ongoing tensions within the Liberal Party. Ley stated, “Despite being given sufficient time and space to do so, Senator Nampijinpa Price failed to apologize for remarks which have caused Australians of Indian heritage significant hurt.” She pointed out that Price’s refusal to endorse her leadership rendered her position untenable within the shadow ministry.
The rift within the party reflects broader divisions, as supporters of Ley’s leadership clash with those who backed Angus Taylor in his bid following the recent Federal election. Ley’s call for unity may face challenges in the wake of these developments, as the party navigates its path forward amid shifting voter sentiments.
The results of this Newspoll may signal a challenging road ahead for the Coalition as it seeks to regain its footing in the public eye. With the political landscape becoming increasingly competitive, the coming weeks will be crucial for Ley and her leadership team as they work to address both internal divisions and external challenges.
