A shock new poll has found that more than a third of Australians blame Anthony Albanese’s government for the cost of living crisis and more than half of them would struggle to pay for a major expense.
Voters surveyed in the Resolve Political Monitor poll for Nine newspapers found that 36 per cent hold the federal Labor government accountable for high prices, while 58 per cent said they have so little money left over each month they would struggle to cover unexpected expenses such as a new fridge or car repairs.
Just 13 per cent of those surveyed said worldwide factors outside of the government’s control was to blame for high prices and interest rates.
While Labor’s primary vote has increased by two points to 30 per cent over the past month, it’s still well below the level that won them the 2022 federal election.
More worryingly for Labor, the Coalition recorded its highest level of support since the election with a one point increase to 38 per cent.
This would leave both parties sides neck and neck if an election was held now, with either side needing the backing of minor parties and independents to form a government.
Resolve director Jim Reed said voters are making their feelings known about how the cost of living is affecting them.
‘People appreciate there is a range of factors at play, but they do see governments as at least partly to blame for inflation, and most certainly see the federal government as responsible for fixing the problem,’ he said.
A shock new survey has found that more than a third of Australians blame Anthony Albanese’s government for the cost of living crisis. Mr Albanese is pictured with his fiance Jodie Haydon
A massive 36 per cent of voters hold the federal Labor government accountable for high prices. Stock image
Thirty per cent of voters said they would prefer it if the next election, which is due by May 2025, led to one side or the other forming a minority government.
But 36 per cent said they wanted to see a clear majority government formed, while 34 per were unsure which way want to see the election go.
On the question of who voters would prefer to see as prime minister, Mr Albanese narrowly leads the Opposition leader Peter Dutton by 38 per cent to 35.
Mr Dutton and the Coalition are more trusted to manage the economy, though, with 38 per cent backing them, while just 26 per cent favour Mr Albanese and Labor.
The Coalition has also been judged better on the cost of living, with 31 per cent saying it would do a better job, while just 24 per cent said Mr Albanese and Labor would be best at it.
Voters are also not happy with the Prime Minister’s performance, with 53 per cent saying it was poor and just 35 per cent saying it was good.
Mr Dutton fared better, with 40 per cent finding his performance was good and 41 per cent finding it poor.
Though the Reserve Bank decides the interest rate, 52 per cent of people said the government and Treasurer Jim Chalmers bore the greater responsibility.
Mr Chalmers will take little joy from the survey in general, with just 24 per cent saying they prefer him for the job.
The silver lining for him, though, is that only 18 per cent said the Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor, was their preferred candidate for the position, which is generally held to be the second most important after the prime minister.
More than half of those surveyed said they have so little money left over each month they may struggle to cover an unexpected bill such as getting a car repaired. Stock image
‘A big chunk of the electorate is still trying to cope with the price rises we’ve seen in the last couple of years,’ Mr Reed said.
‘Basic groceries like meat, eggs, olive oil, plus snacks, top the list of concerns.’
Fifty-nine per cent of those polled said groceries and other basic items were their biggest cost of living concerns.
In a question allowed for multiple choices, 37 per cent said utility bills were a concern for them, while 21 per cent were concerned about the cost of their rent.
