Anthony Albanese has received some of his most brutal poll results so far as Labor fumbles its election-winning lead and voters turn against the Prime Minister.
News24.com.au can reveal the devastating News24 Pulse/YouGov results which will haunt Mr Albanese just 18 months out from the next federal election.
The survey, conducted from October 27 – November 3, put One Nation on a primary vote of 27 per cent, ahead of Labor on 25 per cent and the Coalition on 23 per cent.
Labor tied with the Coalition at 50-50 on a two-party-preferred basis for the second poll in a row, with the PM having blundered his 10-point lead in the 2025 federal election.
Mr Albanese also lost his lead as preferred prime minister to Opposition Leader Angus Taylor for the first time 41-39.
The polling was conducted as voters face further interest rate pain with the RBA lifting rates for the fifth time this year, taking the cash rate to the highest level in 18 years.
Households have also been suffering from the exorbitant cost of living, with inflation at 4.3 per cent – well above the RBA’s target band of 2-3 per cent.
Underlying inflation also edged higher to 3.6 per cent, fuelling likely further interest rate hikes from the central bank.
The political damage has come amid a string of controversies and economic headaches for the Albanese government.
Labor’s 2026 tax reforms have faced relentless scrutiny, with Mr Albanese conceding he could revisit the tax measures if they fail to deliver their intended results.
He has also come under intense criticism over his decision to travel to the Caribbean to meet with King Charles on the day Australians suffered another rate hike.
Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson earlier accused the Prime Minister of abandoning Australians struggling financially.
“It says everything about this Prime Minister’s empathy for Australians,” Mr Wilson said.
“He’s skipping out to the Caribbean and leaving his ‘taxaholic Treasurer’ to front the media.”
Other controversies over the past fortnight have dogged Labor, including questions surrounding a $6.05m taxpayer grant to Mr Albanese’s local Marrickville Golf Club.
There were also accusations of attempting to court One Nation MP David Farley and using parliamentary resources as a weapon against WA Senator Fatima Payman.
Mr Albanese’s personal ratings in the latest poll were also deeply troubling, with just 33 per cent satisfied with his performance and 62 per cent dissatisfied.
Mr Taylor was rated slightly better, with 36 per cent satisfied and 48 per cent dissatisfied.
YouGov Director of Public Data Paul Smith told News24.com.au that Mr Albanese losing his preferred PM lead was “significant” given the question typically favours incumbents.
“For the first time since the election Anthony Albanese is behind Angus Taylor as preferred Prime Minister 39-41,” Mr Smith said.
“(This) is significant as the preferred Prime Minister question historically slightly favours incumbents.
“Interestingly at the same time, Anthony Albanese has increased his lead as preferred Prime Minister by four points over Pauline Hanson to 51 -39.”