Howard Hit for Six

The Age’s veteran political correspondent, Michelle Grattan, summed up today’s latest Age/ACNielson poll best today when she said it was “very depressing poll” for John Howard noting it contains at least six strikes against him.

“First, the Government is way behind in the vote. Second, he is, yet again, trailing Kevin Rudd as preferred prime minister. Third, people think Labor would manage industrial relations better. Fourth, the claim that unions would run the country under Labor hasn't scared people. Fifth, Government efforts to king-hit Labor on education haven't so far had an impact. Sixth, with climate change such a big issue, Labor wipes the floor with the Coalition as best manager for the environment.”

The latest poll again shows Labor with a commanding and election winning lead over the Government. Labor is ahead on a two-party basis for the 13th successive month — 58 to 42 per cent, unchanged since mid April.

The weighted average of the four post-budget polls (Nielsen, Morgan, Galaxy and Newspoll) has Labor leading the Coalition 58 to 42 per cent on a two-party basis and 49 to 38 per cent on primaries.

On the preferred Prime Minister stakes Kevin Rudd remains ahead steady on 51 per cent (steady) to John Howard's 43 per cent (up 1 point).

The poll also Labor was considered by voters to be the best party to handle the issues of health and hospitals, education, the environment and industrial relations. The Howard Government was see to be best to handle the economy and national security.