A recent Newspoll reveals growing voter concern in Australia about government spending amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures, with more than half of respondents prioritizing cuts to government expenditure as the most effective way to address economic challenges. Conducted between October 5 and 8 among 1,241 voters, the poll indicates shifting political dynamics, with primary vote support for Labor, One Nation, and the Coalition all clustered in the 20 to 29 percent range for the first time.
Labor leads with 29 percent, marking a slight increase from 27 percent, while One Nation’s primary vote declined from a high of 30 percent to 28 percent, its lowest level in several months. The Coalition’s support rose marginally to 20 percent. Despite Labor’s parliamentary majority—holding 94 seats compared to the Coalition’s 43—the tight polling suggests voter sentiment is volatile amid economic uncertainties.
The poll also evaluated voter priorities for government action on inflation and the cost of living. Reducing government spending was identified as the top priority by 55 percent of respondents, followed closely by subsidizing essentials such as energy and fuel (51 percent), cutting income taxes (31 percent), and reducing business regulations and costs (27 percent). One-off payments to households were the least favored option at 11 percent.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s net approval rating remains low at minus 24, a slight improvement from minus 27, with 36 percent satisfied and 60 percent dissatisfied with his performance. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been criticized for the government’s economic management, including the failure to effectively control spending. The government maintains that high global fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions contribute to inflationary pressures but emphasizes domestic fiscal discipline.
In parliament, the Coalition has intensified criticism of Labor’s spending policies, arguing they contribute to inflation and economic strain. Coalition members have proposed legislation to overturn the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) ban on businesses using credit cards to pay tax bills, a measure Labor opposes due to estimated budgetary costs of $200 million annually. Some Coalition MPs disagree on the issue, with a few supporting the ATO’s crackdown as a necessary risk mitigation effort.
The opposition continues to promote policies aimed at easing the tax burden on workers, including indexing tax brackets to prevent “bracket creep,” a move intended to offset the impact of rising wages pushing individuals into higher tax rates. This policy is being positioned as a more immediate and politically viable reform compared to longer-term ideas such as raising the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which faces significant public resistance.
Meanwhile, business groups have expressed unease over potential changes to energy market regulations under consideration by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Proposed revisions might grant powers to impose rationing during future energy crises, raising concerns about investment certainty in the sector.
Health policy has also come under scrutiny after government forecasts revealed a higher-than-expected number of older Australians likely to drop private health insurance following recent rebate cuts, a development that could increase pressure on the public healthcare system.
As the government enters a critical parliamentary sitting period, economic management remains a central issue for voters and policymakers alike, with balancing inflation control, cost-of-living relief, and sustainable fiscal policy presenting ongoing challenges for both Labor and the Coalition.