Iran Press/ Asia: Millions of Australians are expected to cast their votes in person over the next two weeks at more than 500 early-voting centres nationwide.
Amid a campaign dominated by cost-of-living pressure, national security and climate change, a widely watched survey conducted for The Australian newspaper showed Labor leading 54 per cent to 46 per cent on a two-party preferred basis against the Morrison-led Liberal Party-National Party coalition government.
Morrison's rating as the country's preferred leader fell a percentage point to 44 per cent, the survey showed, leaving him narrowly in front of Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese whose rating rose 3 points to 42 per cent.
Early voting began a day after a televised debate between Morrison and Albanese who at times yelled at each other, making it hard for either to make a point.
Female voters have turned to Labor as the party they believe would better manage worsening cost-of-living pressure, the survey showed, after surging inflation forced the central bank last week to lift its official cash interest rate.
If the coalition's shrinking lead is replicated in the May 21 election, Labor could govern on its own, a survey for the Australian Financial Review showed, revealing higher living costs as voters' top issue. The coalition has a one-seat majority in parliament's lower house.
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