Those views have contributed to a dip in Albanese’s popularity and performance ratings in the three weeks since the last poll, which were dominated by furore around Communications Minister Anika Wells’ use of government expenses – before the shooting at Bondi.
The prime minister’s net performance rating – which compares those who think he is doing a good or bad job – fell 15 points, from +6 at the beginning of the month to -9, which is the lowest it has been since the May election. His net likeability fell 14 points, from +9 to -5, which is on par with the result from September.
Ley’s ratings also fell, although by a smaller amount. Her net performance rating dropped from +3 to -4, while her likeability went from +8 to +1. This narrowed the gap on Australians’ preferred prime minister, but Albanese retains the lead, with 38 per cent choosing him and 30 per cent choosing Ley.
“The PM has taken a personal hit from all this. His likeability, performance, leadership and Labor’s primary vote are all at their lowest ebb since the May election,” Reed said.
“The passing of several bills just a few weeks ago and his wedding looked like Albanese would end the year on a high, but his political honeymoon has ended shortly after his real one.”
Labor’s primary vote dropped 3 points, while the Coalition and One Nation’s primary vote each increased by 2 points. One Nation is now the preferred party for 16 per cent of voters – its highest result in the Resolve Political Monitor to date – and its voters had the dimmest view of social cohesion.
But the government retains a strong lead on a two-party preferred basis, leading the Coalition 54-46.
There is broad consensus that racism and religious intolerance have been on the rise since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023; 72 per cent of people agreed with that statement, while just 9 per cent disagreed. This is up from 69 per cent in January and 57 per cent last March.
Of those who think racism has worsened, there is a firming view that it is being driven by an increase in antisemitism. Fifty-five per cent of people surveyed said there was more antisemitism, on par with 54 per cent who agreed in January and above the 33 per cent who thought so last March.
Thirteen per cent of people say there has been an increase in Islamophobia – an increase of 4 points since January – and 32 per cent were unsure about what is driving racism, down from more than half who were unsure about the cause last year.
A large number of respondents – 76 per cent – thought there should be tougher immigration screening to identify antisemitic or extremist views; only 7 per cent of people opposed this measure.
“The attack was squarely targeted at the Jewish community, but the rest of Australia is feeling it and worried. Only a minority think our social cohesion is good right now, and most see a rise in racism over the last two years,” Reed said.
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