The Coalition has maintained its narrow lead in the latest polling, ahead of the May election, but neither major party appears set to secure a majority.
According to the latest Newspoll, the Coalition holds a 51-49 lead over Labor in the two-party-preferred vote.
The primary vote stands at 39 per cent for the Coalition and 32 per cent for Labor, with both major parties gaining ground at the expense of the crossbench.
However, a separate question in the poll found that 55 per cent of voters do not believe Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition are ready to govern.
Shadow finance minister Jane Hume pushed back against the idea that Mr Dutton was unprepared, insisting that the opposition was ready to take office.
“Peter Dutton and his team are definitely ready to govern. We’ve brought the same disciplines from government into opposition,” she told Sky News.
“We’ve developed the policies and we will go to this election with a suite of policies that will deal with what’s important to everyday Australians.”
Ms Hume reaffirmed the Coalition’s policy priorities, including cost-of-living, reducing energy prices, improving healthcare access and ensuring national security.
“Peter Dutton is probably one of the most experienced opposition leaders to battle it out for the honour of being Prime Minister,” she said.
“He has a team around him that is a combination of fresh faces and fresh ideas, but also experienced ministers from previous governments.”
Despite the Coalition’s polling lead, preferred prime minister ratings have tightened, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rising to 47 per cent to Mr Dutton’s 38 per cent.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles downplayed the significance of polling, arguing that Labor’s focus remains on governing and delivering cost-of-living relief.
“Polls are going to be what they’re going to be… If you want to retain your mental health, it’s best not to follow the detailed tracking of polls,” he told Sky News.
“We are focused on doing the business of government, on focusing on cost-of-living measures for families.
“I figure if we keep doing our jobs then the poll will take care of itself.”
The attention has turned to the upcoming federal budget to be handed down on March 25, before a likely federal election date of May 3 or May 10.
The election must be held on or before May 17.
