The Coalition’s primary vote has reached an unprecedented low, remaining stagnant at just 24 percent, according to the latest Newspoll published in The Australian. This disappointing figure comes despite Opposition Leader Sussan Ley abandoning the party’s commitment to net zero emissions, a strategic move aimed at regaining voter support.
Labor maintains a commanding lead in the two-party preferred vote, capturing 58 percent compared to the Coalition’s 42 percent. The Labor Party’s primary vote stands at 36 percent, while the Coalition’s figures represent the lowest level recorded since primary votes began in November 1985. Support for minor parties is also shifting, with One Nation polling at 15 percent and The Greens at 13 percent.
In a striking contrast to Ms. Ley’s performance, Anthony Albanese remains the preferred Prime Minister, boasting a significant 58 percent approval rating, while Ms. Ley trails at 27 percent. Additionally, 19 percent of voters remain undecided. Although Ms. Ley’s net approval rating saw a slight increase from -33 to -29, her party faces considerable challenges ahead.
Coalition’s New Energy Policy Announced
With the hope that dropping the net zero commitment would attract more voters, the Coalition introduced a new energy policy last week. Accompanied by Nationals Leader David Littleproud, Ms. Ley described the policy as “practical and balanced,” aiming to close coal plants while also lifting the prohibition on zero-emissions nuclear technology. The Coalition has also decided to scrap Labor’s 2030 emissions reduction target and their 2050 net zero target.
In a policy document shared by Ms. Ley, the Coalition outlined a series of proposed measures intended to modernize the energy sector. The focus includes a diversified approach utilizing gas, hydro, batteries, and coal, while also advocating for renewable energy to be deployed in appropriate locations. “We have to have a government that looks back four years,” Ms. Ley emphasized, criticizing the Labor government for its previous stance on gas, which she claimed had been detrimental.
The Coalition plans to support increased gas supply by “unlocking investment” in both supply and infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and committing to an annual offshore acreage release. This strategy is aimed at ensuring energy stability in the face of changing market dynamics.
Despite her challenges, Ms. Ley remains the preferred leader among Coalition voters, with 21 percent supporting her compared to 15 percent for Andrew Hastie. Among Coalition voters, 28 percent expressed a preference for Ms. Ley as their leader, against 20 percent who backed Mr. Hastie.
The current polling situation presents a significant hurdle for Ms. Ley and the Coalition as they seek to regain traction in the political landscape. The upcoming months will be crucial as they implement their new energy policy and strive to connect with voters on pressing issues.
