PM not worried about poll
Tony Abbott has been urging the rejection of same-sex marriage, but it seems voters in his own electorate aren't listening. Getty
The Bronwyn Bishop expenses scandal has impacted severely on Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his government, two new poll have revealed.
A ReachTEL poll published by Fairfax Media on Sunday found Labor led the Liberals 53 per cent to 47 per cent on a two-party-preferred basis.
Mr Shorten extended his lead over Mr Abbott, 58.5 per cent to 41.5 per cent, as preferred prime minister, according to the national poll of 2543 people.
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Former Speaker Mrs Bishop resigned last Sunday, buckling under pressure generated from a travel expenses scandal, including spending more than $5000 on a chartered helicopter flight from Melbourne to Geelong to attend a Liberal Party function.
The poll also revealed Mr Shorten was more popular with men and women, and across all age groups except for 65 and over.
The poor result for the government was confirmed by the latest Newspoll on Monday, with the Coalition’s primary vote falling to below 40 per cent for the first time since the budget.
The latest Newspoll conducted by The Australian had the ALP leading the Coalition 54 per cent to 46 per cent, with the major party’s primary votes locked at 39 per cent each.
But it was not all sunshine for Mr Shorten, who was still ranked third most preferred Labor leader, the ReachTELL poll found. His former leadership rival Anthony Albanese was favoured by 40.1 per cent of the electorate, deputy leader Tanya Plibersek by 34.9 per cent and Mr Shorten 25 per cent.
Asked on Sunday if he was worried about the scandal over politicians travel entitlements impacting on his standing, Mr Abbott said: “It’s never about me.”
“While you have good days and better days in a job like this, as far as I’m concerned, every day should be about doing the right thing by the people of Australia,” Mr Abbott said.
He said occasionally there were distractions that arose.
“The important thing is not to allow the distractions to stop you from getting on with the job of governing,” Mr Abbott said.
– with AAP
