18 Dec 2010

Opposition leads govt in new poll

11:52 am on 18 December 2010

A new poll puts support for the federal Opposition in Australia ahead of the government for the first time since the federal election on 21 August.

The latest Morgan Poll shows the Coalition has gained 4% since the start of December to 51.5% on a two-party preferred basis.

Support for the Labor Party has dropped 4% to 48.5%.

Labor's primary vote fell to 38% behind the Coalition at 43%, while support for the Greens and independents is unchanged.

According to the poll, if a federal election was held now, the Coalition would win government.

The survey was conducted last weekend. The ABC reports it also found the number of Australians who are confident the country is heading in the right direction has dropped by 3% to 49%.