Fed: Beazley s popularity slips poll

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2000
Fed: Beazley s popularity slips poll

MELBOURNE, Aug 1 AAP - Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley's popularity has fallen
to its lowest level in five years, according to the latest Newspoll.

The Australian newspaper said today while support for the Coalition and Labor remained
unchanged, Mr Beazley's decline had continued since the start of June.

A smoother than expected GST implementation on July 1 had pushed dissatisfaction to
its highest level since he became opposition leader, the paper said.

Satisfaction with the way he was doing his job fell from 47 per cent to 39 per cent
and dissatisfaction rose eight percentage points to 47 per cent.

In comparison, Prime Minister John Howard's satisfaction rating rose from 38 per cent
to 44 per cent, and dissatisfaction fell from 51 per cent to 45 per cent.

Mr Howard also maintained a 13-point advantage over Mr Beazley on the question of who
would make the better prime minister, leading 44 per cent to 31 per cent.

The poll found the parties remained even on 44 per cent.

AAP jd/cd

KEYWORD: POLL

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.