The latest bi-monthly Newspoll survey of Victorian state voting intention gives further evidence that the Labor government there has reached the same tipping point that has hit one state government after another over the past two years. Labor’s primary vote is down two points for the third survey in a row, to 37 per cent, with the Coalition up two to 41 per cent. Saving their two-party bacon are preferences from the Greens, who are steady on 14 per cent, translating into a slightly flattering split of 52-48 (down from 54-46 last time). John Brumby’s personal ratings provide a headline grabber in that his disapproval rating (up four to 45 per cent) is higher than his approval rating (down two to 43 per cent) for the first time. Ted Baillieu’s approval rating is steady on 41 per cent, but his disapproval is up two to 41 per cent, and he remains well behind as preferred premier (49-29, down on 51-29 last time).
