Labor has maintained its 54-46 lead on two-party-preferred basis in the final Newspoll of the year

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

The Abbott government ends its first full year in power well behind Labor, according to the latest Newspoll.



Despite the prime minister’s so-called barnacle-clearing strategy to change unpopular policies, the survey shows the opposition has a two-party-preferred lead of 54% to 46%.



The result is almost the reverse of the election result 15 months ago.



The nationwide poll of 1,084 voters published in the Australian reveals primary support for the Coalition up one point to 38% in the past fortnight, but Labor has gained two points to lift its primary vote to 39%.



The Greens have dropped one point to 12% while support for minor parties, independents and others has fallen two points to 11%.



National support for the Palmer United Party is less than 1%.

The opposition leader, Bill Shorten, led Tony Abbott 44% to 37% as preferred prime minister, an unchanged margin from the previous month.