Approval of Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister is starting to slide a new opinion poll suggests.
The Essential Poll out today indicates for the first time more people disapprove of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull than approve of his performance.
Mr Turnbull's disapproval rating is up to 42 per cent while 40 per cent approve of his performance as prime minister.
Essential Media director Peter Lewis said this was a significant result.
"It is the first time the prime minister's disapproval rating is higher than his approval rating which would be a concerning trend for the Government," he told SBS News.
"However the lead Malcolm Turnbull has over [Opposition Leader] Bill Shorten as better prime minister is still significant."
The poll showed 43 per cent believed Mr Turnbull would make the better prime minister, while 28 per cent said Mr Shorten and 29 per cent didn't know.
The survey indicated the two party preferred vote remains steady for the second week in a row with Labor ahead on 51 per cent to the Liberal National party on 49 per cent.
The online survey of more than 1000 respondents was conducted late last week and over the weekend, which included the period of the first leaders debate at Windsor in outer Sydney.
It found primary (first preference) votes still favour the government.
The survey indicated a primary vote for the Liberal National Party of 42 per cent, Labor 38 per cent, Greens 9 per cent and the newly formed Nick Xenophon Team 3 per cent.
The Essential survey also examined voters born in Australia and born overseas.
For voters surveyed who were born overseas the Liberal National party received the most support with 52 per cent to Labor's 48 per cent on a two party preferred basis.
"There is a marginally higher support for the Coalition from voters born overseas" Mr Lewis said.
People born overseas are taking a greater interest in the election campaign, the survey suggested.
Nearly 60 per cent of those surveyed who were born overseas said they would be actively following the election campaign.
