nielsen poll labor 48% coalition 52%, page-15

JULIA Gillard has taken a battering in the latest opinion poll, which shows the Coalition would win the election if it was held now.

Support for the Prime Minister and Labor has fallen dramatically while the Opposition has taken the lead in the Herald/Nielsen poll published today.

The Coalition is now ahead of Labor on a two-party preferred basis by 52 per cent to 48 per cent - a six percentage point swing against the government since the last Nielsen poll a week ago.

Labor's primary vote has plummeted six points to 36 per cent while the Coalition's primary vote has risen four points to 45 per cent.

Ms Gillard's popularity has even fallen among women, with her 58-42 lead over Tony Abbott narrowing to 49-51.

Her approval rating fell five points to 51 per cent and her disapproval rating rose six points to 39 per cent.

Mr Abbott's approval rose six points to 49 per cent and his disapproval dropped six points to 45 per cent.

On the question of preferred prime minister, Ms Gillard's 21-point lead plummeted by 13 points to 49-41.

On a positive note for the government, 69 per cent believe it will win the election while only 21 per cent back the Coalition.



Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/abbott-leads-gillard-in-latest-poll/story-e6frfku0-1225899282954#ixzz0vDhj1ku1