Govt well behind Labor in latest poll

The Abbott government ends its first full year in power well behind Labor, according to the latest Newspoll.

Despite the prime minister's so-called barnacle-clearing strategy to change unpopular policies, the survey shows the opposition has a two-party-preferred lead of 54 to 46 per cent.

The result is almost the reverse of the election result 15 months ago.

The nationwide poll of 1084 voters published in the Australian reveals primary support for the coalition up one point to 38 per cent in the past fortnight but Labor has gained two points to lift its primary vote to 39 per cent.

The Greens have dropped one point to 12 per cent while support for minor parties, independents and others has fallen two points to 11 per cent.

National support for the Palmer United Party is less than 1 per cent.