"... you cannot pretend that a negative poll against Abbott is not valid without applying the same rule to a poll that is negative against Gillard. ..."
Exactly!
Our pollsters rank with the world's best & even quote their margins of error based on statistical significance. To argue with their findings equates to denial of data that has been cosistent for years [ie. huge sample].
Roughly 60% of Australian voters are dissatisfied with both of them!
We want neither Julia Gillard nor Tony Abbott. Even when they are our only choices each can still only muster about 40% support!