Guardian Essential poll: One Nation’s popularity slips as Albanese records lowest approval as prime minister
News Source
•Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT
📰 What Happened
Labor's primary vote fell five percentage points in a month, down to 26% in the latest Guardian Essential poll. Anthony Alabanese also recorded his lowest approval rating as prime minister — just 35% of the more than 1,000 Australians polled approve of his performance.
One Nation's vote also dropped five points since May, to 23%, down from a 28% peak. The Coalition rose from 22% in July to 26%. Labor and the Coalition are now level. The poll has a margin of error of about 3%.
🔍 The Backstory
The dip comes in the middle of a 'messy immigration debate' that has dominated politics. Even One Nation's win in Saturday's Secret Harbour byelection in WA did not help the party nationally.
Polls like this one measure the mood of the country. A fall of five points in a month is a big swing, and both major parties are watching closely as they plan for the next election.
🎯 Why It Matters
Polls show which way the country is leaning before an election. Parties change policy to chase votes, so these numbers can shape decisions that affect everyday Australians — from cost of living to immigration rules.
Labor's primary vote fell five percentage points in a month, down to 26% in the latest Guardian Essential poll. Anthony Alabanese also recorded his lowest approval rating as prime minister — just 35% of the more than 1,000 Australians polled approve of his performance.
One Nation's vote also dropped five points since May, to 23%, down from a 28% peak. The Coalition rose from 22% in July to 26%. Labor and the Coalition are now level. The poll has a margin of error of about 3%.
The dip comes in the middle of a 'messy immigration debate' that has dominated politics. Even One Nation's win in Saturday's Secret Harbour byelection in WA did not help the party nationally.
Polls like this one measure the mood of the country. A fall of five points in a month is a big swing, and both major parties are watching closely as they plan for the next election.
Polls show which way the country is leaning before an election. Parties change policy to chase votes, so these numbers can shape decisions that affect everyday Australians — from cost of living to immigration rules.