Steve Price: Anthony Albanese level with Scott Morrison for first time since before Covid-19

For the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Anthony Albanese is on equal footing to become Australia’s next Prime Minister.

According to the latest Newspoll, the Opposition Leader is now tied with Scott Morrison for preferred Prime Minister, with both now sitting on 42 points.
It’s the first time since February 2020 that Mr Morrison hasn’t led his opponent.
The latest poll was conducted over weeks plagued by Russia’s war on Ukraine and the NSW and Queensland floods, which Mr Morrison has faced criticism for.
The federal election is due to be called soon after the budget is handed down at the end of March, and as of Monday Labor has a six-point lead over the Coalition.
On a primary vote, Labor continues to lead the Coalition 41-35, while on a two-party preferred, Labor has maintained its 55 per cent lead over the Coalition’s 45.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said there was no doubt it was going to be a “tough election”.
“These are precarious times, there is no doubt about it. We have to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible,” Mr Joyce told Channel 7 on Monday.
“The Australian people have to make a choice of who is ore likely to make a nation as strong as possible as quickly as possible, but whatever choice the voters make is the right one.
“That’s the great joy of living in a democracy.”
Retiring Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon said the polls were “encouraging”.
“The Labor Party have been consistent (in the polls) for many months,” he said.
“A 10 point lead in two party preferred basis, but we all know from the last election that you can’t rely on the polls and we don’t take anything for granted.
“There certainly won’t be any complacency on our side of the political fence.”
There has been movement in voting intention for the minor parties, with the Greens falling back a point to eight per cent, while One Nation remains on three per cent.
Other parties, including Independents, have risen to 10 points.
Mr Morrison’s approval rating has dropped two points to 41 per cent, while his disapproval rating continues at 55 per cent with a cumulative net score of negative 14.
Mr Albanese’s satisfaction rating remains at 44 per cent, while disapproval fell one point to 42 per cent, resulting in a net positive score of plus two.
The Newspoll notes that almost one in seven voters are yet to make up their minds about Mr Albanese.
- by Ellen Ransley, news.com.au

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