Poll: Coalition cash splash leaves voters cold as just a quarter say budget will be good for them

The latest poll of 1,086 respondents suggests Australians are voters are worried about rising consumer prices (61% of respondents rate that as their top issue) but only 33% say the specific budget measures, which include cash payments for low and middle income earners and a cut to fuel excise, would make a significant difference.

While historically the Coalition has a political edge over Labor on questions of economic management, Labor currently has an 11-point lead on the most salient indicator.

Asked which political party they trusted more to address rising cost of living pressure, 38% of respondents nominated Labor, 27% said the Coalition, and 35% said the party made no difference. A super majority of respondents (88%) said they believed governments still exerted a lot or a little influence on the direction of household expenses (only 12% said governments were powerless).

Only 25% of respondents said the budget had made them more likely to vote for the Coalition, and a further 19% said less likely. Half the Guardian Essential sample said the budget measures would have no impact on their vote.

The major parties are now in full campaign mode, with the leaders and frontbenchers barnstorming marginal seats around the country. With the real contest imminent, Scott Morrison is attempting to shrug off renewed criticism about the controversial Cook preselection in 2007.