Australians have given Labor a clear lead over the Coalition in the final stage of the federal election campaign

As the federal election approaches this Saturday, polling data indicates that the Australian Labor Party holds a decisive lead over the Coalition, with support at 53% compared to 47% in two-party terms. This latest data comes from the Resolve Political Monitor, which surveyed 2010 eligible voters over several days, utilizing both online and telephone methods. These results suggest that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to retain his position, potentially achieving either a majority or a minority government. Albanese also leads as the preferred prime minister with 47% compared to 31% for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Despite the positive outlook for Labor, the polling indicates a struggle in the party's primary vote, which has decreased from 32.6% to 31%. Notably, while voters favor Albanese on personal appeal and leadership qualities, they still regard Dutton and the Coalition as better managers of critical issues such as economic management, national security, crime, and migration. This election cycle has shown a notable shift, particularly in the context of cost-of-living concerns that were previously a stronghold for the Coalition. Indeed, Dutton had initially led this specific metric by a significant margin but has seen this gap narrow considerably in recent surveys. The results also highlight the changing political landscape, with minor parties like the Greens and One Nation gaining slight ground. However, independent candidates have seen a decrease in support since the last survey. The fact that nearly 19% of voters are still undecided adds another layer of unpredictability to the election's outcome. Moreover, an insight into how U.S. politics influences Australian voters emerged from the polling: concerns regarding Donald Trump seem to be a liability for Dutton, as 30% of voters reported they are less likely to vote for him due to Trump's policies. Going into the final days of campaigning, the results reflect a stabilization with Labor at the helm. However, the margin for error exceeds the slight fall in Labor's lead, suggesting ongoing volatility. For Albanese, maintaining a clear communication strategy and addressing voters' concerns will be crucial in the run-up to the polls. The contrasting perceptions of both leaders' efficacy in handling prevailing economic and social challenges will ultimately decide the immediate future of Australian governance.