OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten’s standing with voters has taken a dive, a new poll shows.

The Fairfax-Ipsos poll, released on Sunday, shows Labor continues to enjoy a two-party preferred lead over the government of 53 to 47 per cent.

But it also revealed since May, Mr Shorten’s approval rating fell from 42 to 36 per cent, while his disapproval rating rose from 47 to 52 per cent.

The poll would translate to a 3.4 per cent swing against the Turnbull government if an election were held on Sunday — and the potential loss of 16 seats.

media_camera The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten takes part in the launch of the Salvation Army's 'Walk the Walk' campaign to raise awareness of homelessness. Picture: Getty Images

Malcolm Turnbull’s standing as preferred prime minister was up one percentage point, while Mr Shorten’s fell four percentage points.

Mr Turnbull’s approval rating fell by three percentage points, while his disapproval rating rose three percentage points.

RELATED: ‘Irresponsible’ — why Malcolm Turnbull’s footy photo is causing a huge backlash

media_camera Malcolm Turnbull during Question Time. Picture Kym Smith

The results come after ongoing political debate about the same-sex marriage postal survey and the citizenship saga that’s engulfed senior figures in the coalition, Greens and some Labor MPs.

Last week’s Newspoll showed Mr Turnbull had gained his biggest personal lead over Mr Shorten — 46-29 per cent — as preferred prime minister.

That poll also showed the coalition inching back ground with voters, but still trailing Labor 47-53 per cent after preferences.

Originally published as Bill remains short on popularity