Australia PM at record low in polls

Support for Australian leader Julia Gillard has hit a record low and the conservative opposition would trounce her if an election was held, according to a poll published on Wednesday. -- PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY - SUPPORT for Australian leader Julia Gillard has hit a record low and the conservative opposition would trounce her if an election was held, according to a poll published on Wednesday.

A Newspoll in The Australian newspaper put satisfaction with Ms Gillard at just 30 percent, with 55 per cent saying they were unimpressed with her performance, just shy of a year since she wrested power in a party coup.

It was her lowest satisfaction rating on record, and worse than that of ex-leader Kevin Rudd, whose plunging popularity saw Ms Gillard depose him just weeks before elections were called.

Ms Gillard's ruling Labor party slumped to 45 per cent of the vote, from 50.1 per cent at last August's election and 48 per cent two weeks ago, with the conservative Liberal/National coalition in a comfortable lead on 55 per cent.

Opposition leader Tony Abbott had similar personal ratings to the prime minister in the poll of 1,150 voters, with 52 per cent saying they were dissatisfied with his performance and 35 per cent satisfied.

He still trailed Ms Gillard as preferred leader, 38 per cent to her 41 per cent, with 21 per cent of voters saying they were uncommitted. -- AFP