In an apparent reference to the tightening of superannuation concessions, older Australians were more likely than young Australians to believe it would make them worse off (44 per cent compared to 37 per cent) but also more likely to believe it was fair (42 to 37 per cent).

A substantial 24 per cent thought the budget would make "no difference" to their own financial situation, 39 per cent thought it make it worse off, and 24 per cent better off.

Asked whether the first Turnbull-Morrison budget was fair, only 37 of respondents to the Fairfax-Ipsos poll said "yes". Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Asked whether the 2016 budget was fair, only 37 per cent said 'yes' and 43 per cent said 'no'.

High earners were also more likely than low earners to believe the budget was fair (44 per cent compared to 35 per cent) even though they were far more likely than low earners to believe it would make them better off (34 per cent to 15 per cent). High earners are defined as those with household incomes of more than $100,000. Very high earners in those households will suffer higher taxes on superannuation should the budget measure pass, but will enjoy personal income tax cuts and will no longer need to pay the high income temporary budget repair levy from next July. They will also reap a more immediate benefit from company tax cuts.

In making his election pitch, Mr Turnbull on Sunday maintained his first budget was fair "not just to Australians today but to the generations that will come after us".

"Every measure we have laid out, every single one, will deliver stronger economic growth and more jobs," he said.

In a gender divide that exceeds the income divide, the poll showed women were far more likely to disapprove of the budget than men. Among women 50 per cent disapproved and only 35 per cent approved. Among men 42 per cent disapproved and 44 per cent approved.

Coalition voters were far more likely than other voters to believe the budget was fair. An overwhelming 62 per cent of Coalition voters described it as "fair" compared to 23 per cent of Greens voters and 18 per cent of Labor voters.