Abbott: Sets New Record for Disapproval

The Fairfax Ipsos poll shows Mr Abbott's approval rating among Coalition voters has dropped 18 points since December to 59 per cent.

More than a third of Coalition voters – 36 per cent – disapprove of Mr Abbott's performance and only three in 10 believe Mr Abbott will remain leading the Liberal Party at the next election.

Bill Shorten's approval rating is 48 per cent, up two points since December and at 50 per cent he is the preferred prime minister.

The Coalition would lose nearly 40 seats if the results were replicated at the next election.

PM approval rating after same period in office

John Howard - 46 per cent

Kevin Rudd - 74 per cent

Julia Gillard - 33 per cent

Tony Abbott - 29 per cent

Preferred PM rating after same period in office

John Howard - 48 per cent

Kevin Rudd - 69 per cent

Julia Gillard - 44 per cent

Tony Abbott - 34 per cent