The Latest Breaking News from Scott Morrison

A further escalation in Ukraine is touted to push fuel prices well above $2.50 a litre.

Scott Morrison spruiked his economic and security credentials in Western Australia but remained tight-lipped about any cost of living measures in the budget.

The Australian government is under pressure to cut fuel excise as petrol prices hit an eight-year high and Prime Minister Scott Morrison trails in the polls just weeks before a general election.

This week’s Newspoll, conducted March 9-12 from a sample of 1,520, gave Labor a 55-45 lead, unchanged since last fortnight. Primary votes were 41% Labor (steady), 35% Coalition (steady), 8% Greens (down one), 3% One Nation (steady), 3% Clive Palmer’s UAP (down one) and 10% for all Others (up two).

Anthony Albanese is tied with Scott Morrison in preferred prime minister rating. But polling experts say this has little to do with electoral success.

Labor has been presenting a new and improved version of the old Albo to voters — and it seems to be working.

As a new Newspoll showed Anthony Albanese drawing level with Scott Morrison as preferred leader, the cost of living has emerged as a major campaign issue.

This blog is now closed

Good morning, early birds. For the first time in more than two years Labor Leader Anthony Albanese has tied with Prime Minister Scott Morrison as preferred PM, and South Australia prepares to head to the polls this weekend. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.