The Abbott government has ended the year well-behind Labor in the polls, with changes to unpopular policies like the $7 GP co-payment having no impact on unimpressed voters.

According to a Newspoll conducted for The Australian, Labor begins the summer holidays with a clear two-party-preferred lead, 54 to 46 per cent.

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When the Coalition won the September election they led on two-party-prefered basis of 45 to 33 per cent.

While the government’s primary vote has increased one point in the last fortnight, Labor’s has increased by has two points, giving them a lead of 39 to 38 per cent.

The Greens dropped one point in the last fortnight to 12 per cent.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also finishes the year as preferred prime minister, enjoying a comfortable lead of 44 to 37 per cent over Prime Minister Tony Abbott.