(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Public support for John Howard improved this month in Australia, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. 44 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the prime minister's performance, up three points since mid-March.

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. 66 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way Rudd is performing, unchanged in two weeks.

On Apr. 3, Rudd discussed his environmental policies, saying, "We believe we should be part of the global solution when it comes to climate change, not just a continuing part of the global problem. And we think a ratification of (the Kyoto Protocol) is a positive step forward. (...) We're about to begin the serious national negotiations and international negotiations about what happens with the post-Kyoto regime, 2012 plus."

Support for Rudd as the preferred prime minister is at 48 per cent, a ten-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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