Public back Abbott over MH17, not budget

Tony Abbott has received the public's approval for his leadership through the MH17 disaster but they're yet to forgive him over controversial budget measures.

A News Corp poll released on Monday shows 48 per cent of people believe the prime minister has shown more leadership in response to the downing of the flight, and his hard-line stance on Russia, than US President Barack Obama.

Most Australians said Russian President Vladimir Putin should not be welcomed to the G20 meeting of world leaders in Brisbane later this year.

But they're yet to warm to Mr Abbott's overall leadership and the government's vote.

The Galaxy poll has Labor leading the coalition 52 to 48 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

Mr Abbott also trails Labor leader Bill Shorten as preferred prime minister, with most voters choosing Mr Shorten to manage the economy.

Voter anger over budget reforms, most of which have stalled in the Senate, has been blamed for the domestic polling results.