Lift for Shorten, Labor in latest poll

Labor leader Bill Shorten's approval rating has improved but he still trails Malcolm Turnbull as preferred prime minister.

The latest Essential poll published on Tuesday gives Labor a 52-48 two-party preferred lead over the coalition, with Mr Shorten's net approval rating improving from -16 to -10.

However, Mr Turnbull has a 41-27 lead as preferred prime minister and a net approval rating - the difference between approval and disapproval - of zero.