Conservative Coalition Surpasses Labor as Albanese's Ratings Drop

Australia's opposition coalition has surpassed the Labor government for the first time since the 2022 election, according to a new poll. The Liberal-National coalition leads Labor by 51-49, but a hung parliament is still predicted. Prime Minister Albanese's approval ratings have also hit a new low.

In a significant political development, Australia's conservative opposition coalition has taken the lead over the Labor government for the first time since the 2022 elections, revealed a Newspoll conducted for The Australian newspaper.

Under Australia's preferential voting system, the Liberal-National coalition now narrowly leads with 51-49 compared to Labor. Despite unchanged primary vote support, a minor shifts in voter preferences has provided the coalition a slim edge.

The poll forecasts a hung parliament, indicating that the opposition's lead is insufficient to secure power. Notably, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's approval ratings have hit a new low, adding pressure as a national election approaches.

(With inputs from agencies.)