# Labor Party Struggles Amid Economic Discontent and Declining Voter Approval Ratings Recent national polling shows Labor facing record lows as cost-of-living pressures erode voter trust. - **Source:** [The Conversation – Australia](https://theconversation.com/au) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/23d5d744-0db1-444c-9f51-c85f84765f7d ## Widespread Polling Decline Recent federal polling data from Resolve, Redbridge, and YouGov indicates a significant downturn for the Labor Party. Primary vote shares remain stagnant or declining across these surveys, while the Coalition shows signs of momentum. These results reflect a broader trend of voter dissatisfaction with the current government's handling of national affairs. ## Economic Sentiment Impact Economic perceptions are identified as a primary driver of Labor's declining support. In the Resolve poll, 42% of respondents blamed the federal government for rising living costs, compared to only 26% citing global factors. This sentiment appears to be directly undermining Anthony Albanese’s standing with the electorate across multiple metrics. ## Albanese Approval Ratings Anthony Albanese’s net approval ratings have reached concerning levels, with Resolve reporting a net score of -22 and YouGov recording -29. Only one in five voters now expresses trust in the Prime Minister. These figures highlight a persistent challenge for the Labor leadership as they navigate a difficult economic environment. ## Coalition and Opposition Gains The Coalition is experiencing a notable resurgence, with Redbridge reporting its highest support levels since December 2025. In a YouGov poll, Angus Taylor surpassed Albanese as the preferred Prime Minister for the first time, leading 41% to 39%. This shift suggests that voters are increasingly considering the opposition as an alternative. ## Victorian Election Outlook With the November 28 Victorian election approaching, polling suggests the Coalition is gaining significant ground over Labor. A Lighthouse poll placed the Coalition at 31% of the primary vote, while Labor trailed at 22%. Liberal leader Jess Wilson currently holds a +9 net favourability rating, contrasting sharply with Labor’s Ben Carroll. ## Policy Area Performance Redbridge data reveals that the right-wing bloc leads Labor and the Greens on critical issues, including immigration, national security, and the economy. The left maintains a lead only on climate change, polling at 43% against 23%. This thematic disadvantage complicates Labor's efforts to regain momentum before the next electoral cycle. ## Internal Party Metrics Within the Labor ranks, likeability scores are largely negative. Figures such as Penny Wong at -4, Chris Bowen at -9, and Jim Chalmers at -11 reflect the party's internal struggle. Conversely, some opposition figures, such as Nationals leader Matt Canavan, maintain positive net likeability scores, further highlighting the current political imbalance. ## Broader Political Context The current political climate is marked by high volatility, as seen in international results like the New Zealand election and US midterms. As Labor faces these domestic pressures, the government must address the persistent blame regarding living costs. Future polling will determine if these trends represent a temporary setback or structural change. ## Sources covering this story - [The Conversation – Australia — Labor Party Faces Declining Support in Federal and Victorian Polls](https://theconversation.com/poor-polls-continue-for-both-federal-and-victorian-labor-295756) - [Crikey — Labor Party Faces Declining Voter Trust Amid Economic Pressures](https://www.crikey.com.au/2026/11/09/labor-latest-polling-anthony-albanese-victoria-barracks-sale-nz-election/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._