Scott Morrison Newspoll

The much-anticipated Newspoll, in which the government hoped to see a budget boost, comes as Scott Morrison is embroiled in yet another scandal concerning his character — charges that he used the race issue against his opponent in his 2007 preselection, which he categorically denies.

The personal ratings of the leaders showed minimal change in the Newspoll.

Morrison’s approval rose a point to 42%, while disapproval dropped a point to 54% for a net rating of minus 12. Albanese’s contentment dropped a point to 43% while his displeasure rose two points to 44%

As Scott Morrison prepares to call the May election, a second poll conducted by Ipsos and published in the Australian Financial Review shows Labor in a strong position.

Labor’s primary vote is now at 38%, down three points from the previous poll three weeks ago, according to a Newspoll published in Monday’s Australian newspaper. The Coalition’s primary vote is now at 36% up a point from the previous poll three weeks ago. The Greens have climbed 2 percentage points to 10% of the vote.

On a two-party basis, Labor has a 54-46% lead, compared to 55-45% in the previous poll.