(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in Australia are split on whether John Howard is doing a good job or not, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. 44 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way the prime minister is performing, while 47 per cent are dissatisfied.

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. 64 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way Rudd is performing, down four points in two weeks.

On Jun. 1, a special commission designated by the prime minister to look into proposed legislation to combat climate change released an assessment warning that "much of the cost from imposing a constraint on emissions will ultimately be borne by Australian households. They will face higher prices for electricity, petrol and other (carbon emitting) products."

The report suggests to "assist households" in order to accommodate to new regulations. Rudd criticized the prime minister's suggestions, declaring, "Mr. Howard has been a climate change sceptic for 11 years. Despite his new rhetoric, all we are likely to see is more delay."

Support for Rudd as the preferred prime minister is at 47 per cent, a nine-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?

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Kevin Rudd is doing his job as leader of the opposition?

Who do you think would make the better prime minister?

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