Australia election race narrows after debate

A Newspoll survey showed the ruling Labor party's lead slashed to 52 percent against 48 percent for the opposition Coalition when voters were asked to choose one or other party, down from a 10-point lead just a week earlier.

The figure matched the reading in mid-June, shortly before Gillard's shock ousting of Kevin Rudd in a backroom party coup blamed on the ex-leader's falling approval ratings.

Gillard's personal approval slumped seven points to 41 percent, and dissatisfaction rose eight points to 37 percent after her announcement of a “citizens assembly” to consult on climate change was roundly panned by critics.

“We think that this (assembly) has been interpreted as a deferral rather than action,” Newspoll chief executive Martin O'Shannessy told Sky News.

The survey of 1,720 voters was completed before Sunday's TV debate between Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott, which was moved forward to avoid a clash with the “MasterChef” reality show finale.

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