An election-eve Essential Report poll will give no joy to either party, with no movement since last week. Labor retains the narrowest of leads on a 2PP basis at 51-49.

Both parties have edged downward on primary votes by 1%, with the Greens picking up the difference, lifting their level of support to a robust 12%. The Greens have flagged in Essential’s poll over the last fortnight, but 12% means they are poised to dramatically improve on their 2007 election win, and strongly outperform the National Party. The anticipated decline in the Green vote during the election campaign has not materialised in any poll.

The primary vote figures are Labor on 38%, the Liberals on 40%, Nationals on 3%, Greens 12%, Family First 2% and ‘Others’ 5%.