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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Rudd Still Outranks Howard in Australia
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Public support for John Howard remains stable in Australia, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. 45 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way the prime minister is performing, up one point since late May.
In the October 2004 election, Howard was rewarded with a fourth term in office, as his Coalition of Liberals and Nationals secured 87 seats in the House of Representatives. The ALP—led by Mark Latham—elected 60 lawmakers.
In December 2006, foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd became the new leader of the ALP, defeating Kim Beazley in an internal caucus ballot. 62 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way Rudd is performing, and 22 per cent are dissatisfied—up five points since last month.
On Jun. 20, Rudd criticized the government's recent claim that long-term productivity has improved in Australia. In a radio interview, Rudd said that for the government "to turn around and build a case out of one or two, or even two or three quarters, of positive productivity growth and say 'problem fixed, problem solved', just flies in the face of any respectable commentary on this question."
Support for Rudd as the preferred prime minister is at 46 per cent, a six-point advantage over Howard.
The next legislative election is tentatively scheduled for late 2007.
Polling Data
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way John Howard is doing his job as prime minister?
Jun. 17 | May 27 | May 24 | |
Satisfied | 45% | 44% | 45% |
Dissatisfied | 45% | 47% | 46% |
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Kevin Rudd is doing his job as leader of the opposition?
Jun. 17 | May 27 | May 24 | |
Satisfied | 62% | 64% | 68% |
Dissatisfied | 22% | 17% | 16% |
Who do you think would make the better prime minister?
Jun. 17 | May 27 | May 24 | |
Kevin Rudd (ALP) | 46% | 47% | 49% |
John Howard (Lib.) | 40% | 38% | 37% |
Source: Newspoll / The Australian
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,164 Australian voters, conducted from Jun. 15 to Jun. 17, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.