Newspoll: Anthony Albanese’s approval slumps to worst level, draws even with Peter Dutton

Anthony Albanese’s approval rating has slumped to its equal worst level this term, a new poll has shown, dropping to be in line with the Opposition Leader.

As the Prime Minister embarked on an extended four-day tour of WA, a Newspoll in The Australian showed Labor and the Coalition still tied on two-party preferred vote — 50 per cent each.

But Mr Albanese’s personal net popularity — which has remained above that of Liberal leader Peter Dutton’s since Labor won Government — has dropped to negative 13 points.

The Prime Minister’s approval dropped two points to 41 per cent while voters’ dissatisfaction grew by three points to 54 per cent.

It brings the Prime Minister equal on the crucial popularity ranking with Mr Dutton for the first time.

Mr Albanese remained preferred Prime Minister, leading the Opposition Leader 45 per cent to Mr Dutton’s 37 per cent. The result is the lowest for the Prime Minister this term.

Labor’s primary vote remained steady on 32 per cent, while the Coalition dropped a point to 38 per cent.

The polling comes ahead of the Prime Minister’s bid to win over WA — a must-win State for Labor ahead of the next Federal election.

Mr Albanese, who will hold a Cabinet meeting on Monday with ministers in Perth, needs to hold Labor’s nine seats in WA in order to maintain government at the election — due before May, next year.