In Australia, and for the first-time since the federal election was called, the Opposition leader Tony Abbott has overtaken Kevin Rudd as preferred prime minister.
The ABC reports the poll focused on key marginal seats in New South Wales where Labor is losing ground and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's popularity is nosediving according to the latest Newspoll.
The Newspoll published in The Australian newspaper shows opposition leader Tony Abbott has overtaken Mr Rudd as preferred prime minister in the marginal seats of Dobell and Robertson.
National polling still has Mr Rudd in front as preferred prime minister.
The general election will be held on 7 September.
