Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's public approval rating has hit its lowest level since the pandemic began amid growing frustration over lockdowns and a sluggish vaccination drive, according to a widely watched poll.

A news poll conducted for The Australian newspaper showed Morrison's public support dropped four points to 47 per cent, the lowest level since he fielded criticism early last year over his government's response to devastating bushfires.

Reuters reports that approval of Morrison's handling of the pandemic has almost halved from a high of 85pc in April last year, during the peak of the first wave of infections, to 48pc in the latest survey.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. — AFP/File
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. — AFP/File

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...