LABOR’S core support has grown to its highest level since Malcolm Turnbull became PM, according to the latest Newspoll, published exclusively for The Australian.
Support for the ALP has grown to 38 per cent, 3.3 points higher than at the July Federal Election, and it enjoys a 53 per cent to 47 per cent margin in the primary vote, its best result since Mr Turnbull became Prime Minister 14 months ago.
The Coalition’s primary vote remains below 40 per cent for the fourth consecutive Newspoll survey, and at 39 per cent is 3.1 points lower than at the election.
The poll comes after the government’s announcement last week that it would bar any refugee or asylum-seeker who arrives in the country illegally by boat from ever being able to apply for a visa, even as tourists or for business.
The government has also stalled on its move to present to the Senate the key industrial relations bills it used to call the marathon double-dissolution election.
Mr Turnbull remains preferred Prime Minister, leading the Opposition leader 42 per cent to 32 per cent.
That remains unchanged from last month but has dropped 6 per cent since July.
The poll of 1846 people taken from last Thursday to Sunday, when issues in the senate were arising with Family First Senator Bob Day resigning and questions over both his and One Nation Senator Rod Culleton’s eligibility to be elected were set to be referred to the High Court.
Satisfaction with Mr Turnbull’s performance remained unchanged overall at minus 28 per cent, as did Mr Shorten’s at minus 15 per cent.
