Oz Coalition takes poll-winning lead over ruling Labour Party

Sydney, Feb.14 (ANI): The latest Herald/Nielsen poll shows the opposition Coalition leading the ruling Labor on a two-party preferred basis by 54 per cent to 46 per cent, a swing of four per cent since last August's election.

On a primary basis, only a third of voters would select Labor as their first choice if an election were held now.

The Coalition leads Labor on the primary vote by 46 per cent to 32 per cent while the Greens are at a relatively steady 12 per cent. Since the election, this represents a two-point increase to the Coalition and a six-point fall for Labor.

However, there is good news for the government, with the poll showing the proposed flood levy has majority support with 52 per cent for the one-off tax increase and 44 per cent against.

The poll finds 46 per cent support a carbon price and 44 per cent oppose it. These figures are unchanged since the question was asked in October last year.

Julia Gillard, however, has been adjudged to perform better than Tony Abbott during the summer of national disasters.

The national phone poll of 1400 voters was conducted from Thursday evening to Saturday evening. (ANI)