Labor and Coalition Tie in New Federal Poll
The latest survey shows the governing Labor party falling into a dead heat against the Coalition.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Given the current cost of living, are you optimistic about the nation's economic direction?
A new News24.com.au Pulse / YouGov poll indicates that Labor and the Coalition are currently tied at 50 percent on a two-party-preferred basis. This marks a significant shift as the Labor party primary vote has declined to a record low of 24 percent.
Why it matters
The downturn in support for Labor is linked to voter concerns regarding housing affordability, rising energy costs, and grocery prices. With support among working-class voters falling to 20 percent, the government faces substantial pressure as the electorate grows increasingly anxious about the economy.
The poll reveals One Nation leads the primary vote with 27 percent, while Labor's 24 percent share represents a drop of over 10 percentage points since the 2025 federal election. Additionally, 65 percent of voters anticipate that unemployment will increase over the next 12 months.
The players
Anthony Albanese
He is the Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the Labor party.
Labor
This is a major centre-left political party in Australia.
Coalition
This is a centre-right political alliance between the Liberal Party and the National Party.
One Nation
This is an Australian political party that has seen a recent surge in primary polling support.
The details
The survey results highlight the declining standing of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who currently holds a net satisfaction rating of minus 30. While Labor maintains a 53-47 lead over One Nation on a two-party-preferred basis, the governing party is struggling to retain its core support base.
Timeline
1901: The Federal Labor Party was formed.
2025: The previous federal election was held.
May 2026: Labor's primary vote reached 30 percent.
September 2026: One Nation's polling strength began to increase.
20 October 2026: The poll was published.
Political Context
The opposition Coalition and smaller parties like One Nation have capitalised on public dissatisfaction to challenge the government's traditional dominance. Critics of the current administration argue that the policy focus has failed to address the immediate cost-of-living concerns held by voters.
With 65 percent of voters expecting unemployment to rise, many families are bracing for further financial instability. The ongoing concerns about housing and grocery costs suggest that voters are prioritising kitchen-table issues in their assessment of national leadership.
The takeaway
The latest polling indicates a significant shift in the Australian political landscape as the governing party faces record-low primary support. Voters should monitor upcoming economic indicators closely, as these figures are likely to influence both government policy and future political campaigns.
Further reading
For more analysis on current electoral trends, visit the Elections section.
Live Poll
Given the current cost of living, are you optimistic about the nation's economic direction?
