Peter Dutton has been branded the most unpopular major party leader in Australia since records began, according to the latest Australian Electoral Study (AES) from the Australian National University and Griffith University. The study, released on Wednesday, found that Dutton's unpopularity 'broke several records', with just 8% of voters believing he won the leaders' debates against Anthony Albanese.
The co-author of the study, Professor Ian McAllister, said voters identified inspiration and compassion as the leadership qualities Dutton most lacked. The former opposition leader lost his seat of Dickson at the federal election, which saw Labor secure its largest two-party-preferred vote in 50 years and 94 seats in the House of Representatives.
The collapse in Coalition support on economic management contributed to the loss, with Labor gaining a four percentage point lead over the Coalition on the question of who is best placed to manage the economy. This marked a significant shift, as the Coalition had held a nearly 40-year advantage on this issue. Dutton's decision to oppose Labor's $17 billion tax cuts, which reduce the bottom tax rate from 16% to 15% from next year, was a key factor.
The study also highlighted challenges for the new opposition leader, Sussan Ley, with the Coalition winning its lowest share of votes from women on record. Nearly 10% fewer women than men voted for the Coalition, while Labor attracted more votes from women than men. A record 25% of voters said they do not feel close to any political party, indicating a more volatile electorate.
Additionally, the AES found a major decline in trust that the US would come to Australia's defence under President Donald Trump, dropping to 55% from 73% in 2022. Earlier data showed younger voters abandoned the Coalition over climate change policy, with the party receiving just 10% of first-preference votes from those prioritising the environment.
