Canberra, April 15
Australians' view of US President Donald Trump is driving a drop in support for opposition leader Peter Dutton ahead of the nation's general election, according to new polling.
Several major opinion polls published in recent days have shown that voter support for incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his governing Labor Party is continuing to grow as the campaign for the May 3 election reaches the halfway point.
One poll undertaken by research firm Resolve Strategic and published by Nine Entertainment newspapers on Monday night estimated that Labor leads Dutton's Coalition 53.5-46.5 per cent in two-party terms. The same poll in late March had the two major parties deadlocked at 50-50.
Asked about how their view of Trump would influence their vote at the upcoming election, 33 per cent of respondents said that it has made them less likely to vote for Dutton and the Coalition, with 14 per cent more likely to do so and 53 per cent either undecided or saying it would have no effect.
By comparison, 22 per cent of respondents said their view of Trump has made them more likely to vote for Albanese and Labor, with 21 per cent less likely, news agency reported.
Among undecided voters, 35 per cent said they were less likely to vote for Dutton and the Coalition because of their view of Trump compared to 24 per cent who said the same for Albanese and Labor.