Tony Abbott Reacts to Poll Results Showing Kevin Rudd Closing In, Calls Carbon Tax Policy Switch a ‘Con Job’

In an attempt to downplay the results of the latest opinion poll showing the Australian Labor Party closing in on the Coalition, Tony Abbott claims Kevin Rudd had nothing to do with it. He said the dramatic results are due to voter relief for the Labor's removal of Julia Gillard and not because Kevin Rudd took the leadership of the majority.

In the new Nielsen poll, the Opposition Leader says the Coalition had expected a close race with the Australian Labor Party since the ouster of Julia Gillard and return of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister of Australia.

Abott believes voters are only showing their relief at the ouster of the unpopular former prime minister Julia Gillard. He also says the members of the Coalition are fair-minded and willing to give someone a fair chance.

However, Abbott says people will soon discover that he's just the same KevinRudd of before. The Opposition Leader says Rudd had his chance to do something during his first time as prime minister but he blew it.

The Nielsen poll released today showed the Australian Labor Party going up 10 points to 39 per cent, leading the Coalition in primary support whose numbers are down to 3 points to 44 per cent. The poll is linked with a series of opinion polls since Kevin Rudd's return as prime minister.

Deputy Opposition Leader Julia Bishop also commented on poll results saying Kevin Rudd's shine would soon fade. She recalled the last instance when Rudd's approval rating was high. Rudd's ratings soared when he first became prime minister but later crashed in opinion polls because people realised the "full extent of his incompetence."

Kevin Rudd beat Tony Abbott as the preferred prime minister with 55 points compared to Abbott's 41. Rudd's approval ratings were up at 51 per cent, while disapproval rating went down to 43 per cent.

Carbon tax policy switch a "con job"

After downplaying opinion poll results, Tony Abbott attacked the Australia Labor's carbon tax policy switch as a "con job" following the party's decision to pursue an emissions trading scheme. Abbott said the government cannot be trusted on the issue of carbon tax.

Treasurer Chris Bowen confirmed plans of the Labor party to eliminate carbon tax and go for an emissions trading scheme. If successful, families spending $2000 annually could save up to $150 in electricity bills. The savings amount takes the assumption that carbon emissions will be priced at $6 per tonne.