Australian conservatives headed for big election defeat - Newspoll

Source: Reuters

FEBRUARY 10, 2019 / 4:54 PM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO
3 MIN READ

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia’s conservative government is facing a huge electoral defeat as it heads into the final sitting of parliament ahead of a national election expected in May, a widely watched poll found on Monday.


A Newspoll for The Australian newspaper showed opposition Labor retained a lead of 53 percent to 47 percent over the Liberal-National government led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, unchanged from the previous poll in December, despite recent efforts to frighten voters on Labor’s tax plans.

Morrison’s own approval rating gained 2 points, however, against Labor leader Bill Shorten, climbing to 44 percent from 35 percent.

The poll came out as parliament returns this week from its summer break, with the minority government facing defeat on two issues due on the floor as it is dependent on seven independents to vote with it.

The government is looking to block a bid, led by an independent, to allow asylum seekers in offshore camps to come to Australia for medical treatment, saying migrants could exploit it as a way into the country.

Read more: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-australia-politics/australian-conservatives-headed-for-big-election-defeat-newspoll-idUKKCN1PZ0QK?rpc=401&