Albanese Leads Dutton in Final Polls Before Australia Votes

As Australia approaches the 2025 federal election, recent polling indicates that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition have fallen significantly behind Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, with Dutton’s initial favorability dissipating once the campaign formally began. While some within the Coalition, such as Senator Bridget McKenzie, have publicly praised Dutton’s leadership and expressed confidence in his future as party leader, analysts note that a Coalition victory would require an even greater turnaround than the one seen in 2019. Dutton has defended key policy proposals, including an east coast gas reservation plan intended to boost domestic supply and support infrastructure in Queensland, though questions have been raised about its constitutionality and potential impact on the state. Meanwhile, the campaign has also seen scrutiny over election integrity, with Housing Minister Clare O’Neil declining support from a group linked to Chinese foreign influence and reiterating her staff’s proper handling of the matter. The combination of shifting voter sentiment and ongoing controversies highlights the challenges facing both major parties as the election draws near.