The first national poll taken in Australia since Kevin Rudd returned as Prime Minister shows he has taken a significant lead as the country's preferred leader.
In the survey, published in News Limited papers, 51% of respondents said they believed Mr Rudd would make the best prime minister, compared to 34% for Opposition leader Tony Abbott. Of those those surveyed, 15% said they were uncommitted.
Mr Rudd's position shows an 18% jump from Julia Gillard's position in March.
However on a two-party preferred basis the Coalition continues to lead Labor 51% to 49%, the poll results said.
Mr Rudd says he is heartened by the boost Labor has received, but says it is important the party does not get ahead of itself.
The survey, conducted by Galaxy Research on 27-28 June, revealed the opinions of 1,002 voters.
