Latest poll predicts Josh Frydenberg to lose seat of Kooyong

The latest YouGov poll commissioned by NewsCorp shows Treasurer Josh Frydenberg set to lose his seat of Kooyong in Melbourne to Independent candidate Dr Monique Ryan by 53-47.

Formerly held by Sir Robert Menzies, Frydenberg’s seat is one of the most coveted positions to hold.

Frydenberg, who is poised to be the Liberal Party’s (LNP) next leader if Prime Minister Scott Morrison loses the upcoming election, risks losing his career in politics altogether if the poll’s prediction comes to fruition.

Speaking with A Current Affair, the Treasurer said he believes Ryan’s campaign is lacking.

“Well, we haven’t seen much detail other than a slogan, a billboard and a slick social media campaign,” he said.

The Independent has received donations from 3000 donors, raising $1.2 million in campaign funds. Her face is hard to miss as it’s featured across the streets of Camberwell, Kew and Hawthorn.

“It’s going be a close contest. But I’ve never taken anything for granted,” Frydenberg said.

Ryan’s campaign focuses on climate change and putting “integrity” into politics.

“I really feel very strongly about our need for effective action on climate change and for more integrity and transparency in government,” Ryan said.

“And I think that I can provide those things for the people of Kooyong.

“More than 2000 volunteers, walking the streets of Kooyong every day in the teal t-shirts. That’s the wave that’s going to carry me to Canberra.”

Frydenberg recently saw favour with voters, announcing a one-off payment of $250 for pensioners to address the rising cost of living as part of the federal budget.

“Obviously, it’s been a very trying time for Australians with the pandemic of course and that’s put pressure on the Budget,” he said.

“But this Budget is all about easing the cost of living for families now.”

He said in a statement that “global factors such as high oil prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supply chain disruptions due to COVID are putting pressure on household budgets here at home”.

“That is why in the Budget we committed to a temporary, targeted and responsible cost of living package.

I also announce a new one-off $250 Cost of Living Payment, delivered within weeks to 6 million Australians.

Pensioners, carers, veterans, job seekers, eligible self-funded retirees and concession card holders will benefit. #Budget22 pic.twitter.com/2YNiOYwhzX

— Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) March 29, 2022

“Today the first batch of the Coalition’s $250 cost of living payments will begin hitting the bank accounts of millions of eligible Australian pensioners, income support recipients, veterans and concession cardholders.”

Frydenberg said the one off payment was only meant to offer “temporary” relief.