Australian news and politics recap March 31: Albo says revamped Nature Positive laws to return to Parliament

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has defended Opposition Leader Peter Dutton after new polling revealed he has slipped lower than any result Anthony Albanese scored when he was in opposition.

“Is this being discussed amongst the Opposition ranks? Not by me or anyone who is talking with me,” Mr Joyce said on Sunrise.

“Undoubtedly, some people find that his strengths are a bit disconcerting, but there is nothing bad about him.

“At times I don’t get along with him, at times I do, but I have to say he is a good man and he is a strong man and he is the right guy to be Prime Minister of Australia.”

Health will remain at the forefront of Anthony Albanese’s election campaign as he visits Western Australia.

The prime minister will join WA Premier Roger Cook in Perth on Monday to announce an election pledge of $200 million towards the redevelopment of the St John of God Midland Public Hospital.

The state government will cover the rest of the cost of the $355 million upgrade, which will deliver more hospital beds, operating theatres and a new intensive care and emergency department.

The hospital is in the outer seat of Hasluck, held by Labor MP Tania Lawrence on a 10.04 per cent margin.

Western Australia was key in delivering Mr Albanese his 2022 election victory.

Labor will need to keep the electorate of Tangney, held on a 2.8 per cent margin, and safe seats Pearce, Swan and Hasluck.

The government will be chasing extra electorates, including Moore and the new seat of Bullwinkel, which is a three-way race.