Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's net approval rating fell to a record low of –24 in a national Newspoll released May 22, 2026 [1].
The shift indicates a significant erosion of support for the Labor government, as Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has now overtaken Labor for the primary vote [2].
Analysts suggest the decline is linked to a poorly received federal budget and the results of the Farrer by-election held on May 9, 2026 [3]. The current net approval of –24 [1] surpasses the previous record low of –21, which was recorded in February 2025 [1].
While some reports suggest the government has attempted to manage budget disquiet by using influencers to reach a broader audience, other data indicates the budget contributed directly to One Nation's gains [3, 4].
Peta Credlin spoke on Sky News Australia regarding the Prime Minister's standing. "When they've decided the leader is not for them, they stop listening," Credlin said.
Credlin said that "the leader can’t turn things around," suggesting a permanent shift in voter perception [5].
The surge for One Nation reflects a growing trend of voter dissatisfaction with the current administration's fiscal policies, a trend that became more pronounced following the Farrer contest [3].
“Albanese's net approval rating fell to a record low of –24”
The shift in primary vote leadership from a major party to a minor party like One Nation suggests a volatile political climate in Australia. This volatility is driven by economic dissatisfaction and a perceived disconnect between the Prime Minister's leadership and the electorate's priorities, potentially complicating Labor's legislative agenda and future electoral stability.
