(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Australia’s opposition leader has increased his political clout, according to a Newspoll published by The Australian. 66 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way Kevin Rudd is leading the Australian Labor Party (ALP), up six points since mid-August.

In the October 2004 election, Australian prime minister John Howard was rewarded with a fourth term in office, as the 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 Rudd became the new leader of the ALP, defeating Kim Beazley in an internal caucus ballot.

In the survey, 46 per cent of respondents express satisfaction with Howard’s performance, up three points since mid-August. In the preferred prime minister category, Rudd holds an 11-point advantage over Howard.

In early September, while Australia hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Rudd met privately with several world leaders including United States president George W. Bush and Chinese president Hu Jintao.

On Sept. 6, Rudd addressed a group of Chinese delegates in Mandarin, a language he learned while working as a diplomat in Beijing. ALP defence spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon praised Rudd for his performance during the meeting, saying, "There’s no doubt, he was impressive and that he has what it takes to be the next prime minister. (...) This is a boost for us before the election."

Australia is expected to hold a legislative election in October or November 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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