With a new front threatening to open up for Ms Gillard on cost of living, the polling suggests that Labor could lose office on this issue alone, if even only a small proportion of voters switch from Labor to the Coalition on the issue.
“It definitely could be a game changer,” Galaxy managing director David Briggs said. “It is a definite negative for the Government.
“While the majority of voters, 86 per cent, say that a rate rise will not impact on their vote, as many as 11 per cent say that they would be less likely to vote for Labor, and in a tight election that could give [Opposition Leader] Tony Abbott just the break he needs.”
As the nation heads into week two of the five-week campaign, the race appears to be tightening.
The Galaxy poll commissioned by The Daily Telegraph and conducted over the weekend has again put Labor in front with a two-party preferred lead of 52 per cent to 48 per cent. However, this still represents a swing against the Government of almost 1 per cent from the 2007 poll and a loss of seats.
The Greens have also recorded their highest ever vote in a Galaxy poll, surging from 12 per cent a week ago to 15 per cent following the release of Ms Gillard’s poorly received climate change policy.
Primary support for the Coalition slipped from 42 per cent to 41 per cent following a horror start for Mr Abbott, who spent most of the week defending claims he would bring back WorkChoices.
Labor’s primary support appears stuck at a low 38 per cent, almost five points down on its 2007 primary vote, meaning it would rely on the Greens preferences it secured in a deal to retain government.
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