A day after Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ordered for the push of the country's health care reform program, opinion polls quickly showed public approval towards his administration gained momentum after a two-year low.

A Reuters Poll Trend showed that Rudd's Labor government gained a 10.4-point lead over the opposition. The poll showed Rudd enjoying a 52.2% support from Australian voters with the opposition trailing at 44.8%.

The result of the latest Reuters poll indicates a three-point gain by the government since February after Rudd strongly endorsed the controversial health care program despite opposition from Western Australian states.

Poll watchers said that if the Labor government can sustain its current lead over the opposition, it could easily translate to additional 16 seats in the 150-seat lower house in the coming elections.

This will give Rudd enough numbers in the parliament to push with his agenda to curb carbon emissions.

However, his centre-left coalition government still has to struggle with the opposition dominated Senate which blocs most of his programs. The opposition in the Senate has successfully blocked most of Rudd's key campaign promises which hurt his popularity.

Fresh from his triumphant health program this week, Rudd said he would focus on tax reform measures and the May 11 national budget, which would also provide him a crucial break before the elections.

Rudd must contend with the opposition who are opposed to most of his programmes. The opposition are expected to use its numbers in the Senate to try to block the full implementation of the health reforms. This could force Rudd to seek the support from the Greens and two independent senators.