Vic: Napthine dismisses Bracks 77pc popularity

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2000
Vic: Napthine dismisses Bracks 77pc popularity

Victorian Liberal leader DENIS NAPTHINE has promised to lift his party to a winning
position at the next election.

That's despite a new poll showing its standing at a record low.

Dr NAPTHINE dismissed the AC Nielsen AgePoll showing the approval rating of Labor Premier
STEVE BRACKS soaring to a record 77 per cent despite recent controversy over government
decisions.

And the Liberal leader has co-opted a phrase formerly used by Mr BRACKS, saying he
was concerned about putting the Liberal Party in a winnable position at the next election.

Dr NAPTHINE has also denied his position as Liberal leader is in doubt.

The Age newspaper says the poll showed primary vote support for the Victorian Liberal
and National parties slumped five points to 32 per cent, while that for Labor rose four
points to 58 per cent.

Statewide support for the National Party was just two per cent while the party's country
vote fell to six per cent.

Dr NAPTHINE'S disapproval rating rose three percentage points from May and June to 46 per cent.





Most worrying for the opposition was the fact the latest interviews were conducted
in the wake of bed closures caused by industrial action by nurses, a row caused by Mr
BRACKS' decision to replace governor Sir JAMES GOBBO, the Liberal Party's rejection of
injecting room trials, and big increases in WorkCover premiums.

AAP RTV pjb/jlw/jn

KEYWORD: POLL VIC (MELBOURNE)

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