Shorten approval slumps in wake of inquiry

Bill Shorten's voter approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since becoming leader in 2013.

The latest Essential poll, which came after the Labor leader's two days in the unions royal commission witness box, put his disapproval rating at 52 per cent and approval at 27 per cent.

Tony Abbott recorded a 53 per cent disapproval rating, with 37 per cent of voters approving of his performance as prime minister.