Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten are now tied as preferred prime minister, with the Coalition leader clawing his way back in the polls in recent months.

According to the latest Fairfax Ipsos poll, Mr Abbott has seen a four per cent increase in his personal approval rating since July.

Despite an increase in the prime minister’s popularity, Labor leader Bill Shorten still leads in the approval ratings, 43-42 per cent.

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Labor leads on a two-party-preferred basis by a narrow margin, 51-49 per cent, but primary support for the government has increased since March, reaching a six-month high.

Despite the poll recovery, some Abbott government’s policies remain deeply unpopular with voters.

The government’s paid parental leave scheme was opposed by 54 per cent of of respondents, while 52 per cent are opposed to an increase in the GST.