Voters 'interested in policy not leaks'

Julia Gillard is leading Tony Abbott as preferred prime minister, the latest Newspoll shows.

AAP

Poll

Who will you be voting for in the federal election?

This poll ended on 05 September 2010.

Labor

27%

Liberals

43%

National Party

8%

Greens

12%

Family First

1%

Independent

2%

Other

3%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

Poll

Who is your preferred Prime Minister?

This poll ended on 05 September 2010.

Julia Gillard

27%

Tony Abbott

49%

Bob Brown

5%

None of the above

8%

Bring back Kevin Rudd

9%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

One of the Labor factional powerbrokers behind the toppling of former prime minister Kevin Rudd says voters are more interested in policies than leaks.

Labor's re-election campaign was derailed this week by another damaging internal leak, suggesting Prime Minister Julia Gillard opposed a paid parental leave scheme and more cash for aged pensioners during Rudd cabinet discussions.

Bill Shorten, parliamentary secretary for disabilities, was more interested in discussing a Labor initiative for the sector than what effect the leaks were having on the government's campaign for re-election.

Ms Gillard announced a range of measures to help parents of children with disabilities on Thursday.

"I have no doubt that the disabilities story and what we are doing there is far more important than mischievous stories from unnamed sources," he told ABC Radio on Friday.

Voters were more interested in what the parties could do about the cost of living, healthcare, education and tax cuts, he said.

"There's always plenty of noise in an election," he said.

Mr Shorten would not respond to suggestions he would be blamed if Labor lost the election because of a backlash in Mr Rudd's home state of Queensland.

"This election will be decided on who has got the best policies in terms of families and households and individuals," he said.

Coalition frontbencher Kevin Andrews says the coalition is united under its leader.

"Tony (Abbott) has grown into the job during this campaign ... he's been disciplined," Mr Andrews told ABC Television.

That's in stark contrast to Labor which was looking "increasingly dysfunctional by the day".

"If these riffs and chasms continue to occur it is probably a window into the future of what we will get under Labor if re-elected."

Speaking on ABC Radio in Melbourne, Mr Shorten said Mr Latham was entitled to say what he wants "and he frequently does so whenever he wants".

"That his prerogative. He's an ex-Labor politician," he said.

Mr Shorten said Ms Gillard had made it clear that Mr Rudd would have a senior position on the front bench if the government is re-elected.

"It is a sensible move and one I know that has caucus support," he said.