The latest Guardian Essential poll reveals a significant drop in approval for opposition leader Angus Taylor, with his net approval rating falling from minus-1 in June to minus-12 in July. The poll of 1,060 voters also shows One Nation's primary vote plateauing at 25%, down one point from June and two points from its May high of 28%.
Taylor's approval crashes among key demographics
Taylor's approval rating dropped three points to 33%, while disapproval surged seven points to 45%. The decline was particularly sharp among men, falling 16 points, and among voters aged 35-54, dropping 20 points. Among those aged 18-34, approval fell 13 points.
According to the poll, Taylor's net approval of minus-12 reflects a broader struggle for political attention amid One Nation's rise. The opposition leader has faced difficulty gaining traction as Pauline Hanson's party dominates headlines.
One Nation's support levels off
One Nation's primary vote has dipped back to its April level after reaching a high of 28% in May. The decline follows weeks of scrutiny over Hanson's European trip, her interview with Tommy Robinson, and controversial comments on domestic violence and immigration policy. Despite the drop, One Nation remains a significant force, attracting a quarter of the primary vote.
Labor's indicative primary vote ticked up one point to 31%, while the Coalition fell another point to 22%. All movements are within the poll's margin of error.
Australians critical of Labor's cost of living handling
The poll reveals widespread dissatisfaction with the government's management of inflation and the cost of living crisis. A decisive 64% of respondents rated Labor's performance as poor, with only 16% rating it as good. Nearly 80% of voters cited cost of living and inflation as one of the most important issues, far ahead of other concerns.
Medicare and health was cited by 50% of voters as a key issue, with 39% rating Labor's performance as good and 30% as poor. Crime was cited by 42%, with 22% rating Labor as good and 50% as poor. Immigration was cited by 35%, with 24% rating Labor as good and 50% as poor.
Anthony Albanese's approval remains negative
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's approval rating ticked up one point to minus-14, with 38% approving and 52% disapproving. This marks the fourth consecutive month in which more than half of voters have disapproved of his performance.
Peter Lewis, executive director of Essential Media, said: “Cost of living remains the stand-out issue for voters and the government’s handling of inflation is being rated down.”
Reluctance towards AI datacentres
The poll also explored attitudes towards AI and datacentres. Only 28% of voters would support a new datacentre being built in their area, with 37% against. Men were more supportive (34% support, 34% oppose) than women (22% support, 39% oppose).
Concerns included impact on energy demand and power prices (61%), water supply (44%), environmental impacts and noise (41%), and general concerns about AI growth (39%). Albanese earlier this month announced plans to regulate datacentres and AI more strongly, including rules for power and water use.
