Coalition just in front in Canning: poll

A new opinion poll shows the Abbott government is likely to win the Canning by-election despite a big loss of support amongst voters.

An Essential Research poll, commissioned by advocacy group GetUp, has the coalition leading Labor 51-49 per cent after preferences.

First preference support for the Liberals is down 15 points from the federal election two years ago to 36 per cent, backing for Labor is up five points to 31 per cent while 15 per cent of voters are undecided two weeks out from polling day.