Turnbull Liberals lift primary vote

The Liberal party has lifted its primary vote to its highest level since November 2016.

The latest Essential poll gives the Liberals a 36 per cent primary vote, with the Nationals on three per cent and Labor on 37 per cent.

It comes amid a public debate around national security and tackling terrorism, which is traditionally a strong issue for the coalition.

The Liberals' primary vote was wallowing at 31 per cent in mid-March, dogged by voter anger over penalty rate cuts while promising big businesses a tax break.

Labor leads in two-party terms 52-48, which is the narrowest gap in the poll since late February.