QLD: Beattie government in election winning position, poll shows

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2006
QLD: Beattie government in election winning position, poll shows

SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP - Peter Beattie and the Labor Party are in a winning position 10
days out from the Queensland election, a new poll shows.

The latest Newspoll gives Labor 52 per cent of the primary vote - a result that would
allow the party to build on its majority without having to rely on the preferences of
minor parties, The Australian newspaper reported today.

Support for the Liberal Party is at 20 per cent, it's lowest level since the 2004 state
election, while the Nationals are on 16 per cent.

The poll, conducted at the weekend with more than 1,000 voters, reveals Labor leads
the two-party-preferred vote 58 to 42.

Mr Beattie's satisfaction rating is at 47 per cent, while Opposition Leader Lawrence
Springborg's dissatisfaction rating is a record 45 per cent.

Support for the Greens is at just two per cent, equal to that of Family First.

If the results are carried through to the September 9 election, and Labor enjoys a
statewide swing, the Beattie government would be returned with 62 of the 89 seats in parliament.

But long-term tracking by Newspoll shows Labor often squanders a strong lead developed
mid-way through a campaign, the newspaper said.

AAP acb/goc/

KEYWORD: POLL QLD

) 2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.