Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has downplayed growing concerns over his declining approval ratings, despite Newspoll data showing a significant dip in his popularity ahead of the 2025 federal election.
Broadcaster Kel Richards expressed skepticism about Mr. Albanese’s ability to reverse the trend, stating he “can’t see” how the Prime Minister can turn the Newspoll around in time for the election.
According to Sky News Australia, recent figures show Mr. Albanese’s approval rating has dropped from 46% in April to 41% in December, while his disapproval rating has climbed from 48% to 53% during the same period.
Labor faces increasing pressure, particularly from middle Australia, as voter dissatisfaction grows, with a noticeable shift toward the Coalition.
Addressing questions about his declining personal appeal at a Sunday press conference, Mr. Albanese brushed off the concerns, stating, “What I am worried about is helping fellow Australians. I have been underestimated my whole political life.”
He emphasized his government’s policy efforts, including a proposed cancellation of 20% of HECS debts for eligible students and a $1 billion funding boost for childcare infrastructure.
“We are focused on making a difference for cost of living and intergenerational equity issues,” he added.
Despite these initiatives, questions remain over their feasibility, as they were not accounted for in the federal budget. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of the potential risks associated with high government spending; a concern echoed by the recent $27 billion budget blowout revealed by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Independent economist Saul Eslake noted that while Labor still leads in opinion polls, the Coalition’s prospects of forming a minority government are on the rise.
“Opinion polls suggest Labor would be returned, but in a minority government,” Mr. Eslake told Sky News. “However, the possibility of the Coalition being in a stronger position to form a minority government after the next election is also increasing.
With the federal election expected by May 2025, the contest between Labor and the Coalition appears increasingly uncertain, as the two major parties remain deadlocked at 50-50 on a two-party preferred basis.