Large poll spanning October to December shows government slipping significantly among over-50s, where Labor and independents are gaining

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Older voters are turning against the Turnbull government while Labor is enjoying a lift in its standing with men, a Newspoll analysis shows.

The analysis of 8,508 voters in Newspoll surveys taken for the Australian from October to December reveals a seven-percentage-point plunge in the primary vote for the Coalition among voters over 50 since the 2 July election.

Support for the government in the largest voting demographic has fallen from 49.9% to 43%, with two-thirds of the lost vote shifting to Labor and one-third to independents and minor parties.

The analysis shows the voting margin of almost 20 points that the Coalition enjoyed over Labor among over-50 voters at the election has been cut to just eight points.

The dip has come as the government faced criticism over an overhaul of superannuation taxes, changes to the pension assets test and aged care reforms.

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The analysis also shows the near eight-point lead for the Coalition among men at the election has been halved, with Labor’s support among men rising to 36% against the coalition’s 40%.

The Coalition’s lead among women is down 1.7 points to 38% while Labor’s has risen 0.4% to 37%.

The government, however, has posted a 1.6-point gain among voters aged 18 to 34 and held its position among voters aged from 35 to 49.