Guardian Essential poll: Albanese approval rating dips in sign of gruelling political year ahead

The government of Anthony Albanese, whose approval rating has fallen in the first Guardian Essential poll of 2023, faces continuing battles with inflation, interest rates and energy prices this year. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Anthony Albanese’s approval rating has dropped five points over the summer as Peter Dutton ramped up what Indigenous leader Noel Pearson calls “a spoiling game” on the voice to parliament.

The first Guardian Essential poll for 2023 shows voter approval of the prime minister dipped from 60% in December to 55% in January – which is Albanese’s lowest result since last August. Voter approval of the prime minister had been steady during the last quarter of 2022, ranging between 59% and 60%.