With apologies to Banjo Patterson for the headline, we are seeing a significant change in the polls. Since the start of 2025 we have seen a significant drift in primary voting intention away from the mainstream parties (Labor and the Coalition) to the Greens and Others. One consequence of this drift has been a weakening in the Coalition's lead in the two-party preferred polls, especially if we allocate preference flows based on the flows at the previous 2022 election. We are also seeing Albanese firming in the attitudinal polls.
Let's start with the first preference, primary vote polls. Both Labor and the Coalition have declined since the start of 2025.
And collectively, the minor parties are in their best position since the previous election.
In respect of the 2pp vote, Labor's position has been improving since the start of 2025.
The picture is better for Labor if I estimate the two-party preferred voting intention based on the preference flows from the 2022 election.
In outcome terms, neither Labor nor the Coalition would be able to form majority government if these poll numbers were repeated at the 2025 election. I have not modelled the next election, but my intuition for how it will play out with the current poll numbers is as follows.
The Greens' polling is above its 2022 election baseline. Consequently, it is possible they could hold or even increase on their four seat representation in the House. However, they will find holding onto Ryan and Brisbane in Queensland challenging, given the improvement in the Coalition's primary position and the decline of Labor's. My best guess is that the Greens will hold Melbourne and should hold Griffith. The Greens may win one or two further seats. Overall, let's call it 3 seats for the Greens.
While the Others polling is slightly down on the 2022 election, it is likely that most of the independents and single party seats would be re-elected (currently 10 independents and 2 single seat parties). It is also possible that significant, well known people might run as independents and capture further seats. Conversely, one or two of the current crop of teal-independents might lose their seats back to the Coalition. Of note, the teal independent Ms Kylea Tink's seat of North Sydney was abolished in the 2024 NSW redistribution. Ms Tink has indicated that she will not be running for Parliament in 2025. I am assuming 11 independents and single party seats (in total) in the new Parliament (noting some of the individuals may change).
While the One Nation component of the Others vote is above its 2022 election baseline. I do not expect it to sufficiently concentrated in a particular seat to win that seat.
I expect the Coalition will increase on its currently held 58 seats, by around 8 to 13 seats (ie. they will win in the range 66 to 71 seats). However, I do not expect them to reach the numbers sufficient to form majority government in the 150 seat Parliament.
Conversely, I expect Labor to lose between 7 and 12 seats from its 77 seat election baseline in 2022 (ie. they would win between 65 and 70 seats). Again, I do not expect Labor to be in a position to form majority Government.
The government formed in the next Parliament will be determined by the negotiating skills of the two major political parties, and the make-up of the Parliament in terms of the number of Greens, independents and single party members. It is possible for the Coalition to win more seats than Labor, but not be part of the government that follows the election.
Interestingly, in the attitudinal polling we are seeing an improvement for the Prime Minister, particularly with net satisfaction.
The betting market remains positive on the Coalition's prospects at the next election, giving the Coalition a 63.6 per cent probability of forming the next Government.
Tell me, do you agree with my intuition above, or do you see it differently.
