Labor continues to lead the coalition 52-48 on a two-party preferred basis, while Malcolm Turnbull is still preferred prime minister over Bill Shorten.

It is the 34th consecutive losing Newspoll for the government since Mr Turnbull took over the leadership from Tony Abbott almost three years ago, setting a new record.

"Obviously if you lose two years of Newspoll that does tell you something," Mr Abbott told 2GB radio on Monday.

"What I think it tells us as the government is that we have to do something different. As I used to say in a different context, you don't need to change the leader, but by God you do need to change the policy."

Satisfaction with Mr Turnbull's performance has reached 40 per cent for the first time. Mr Shorten, who continues to lag as preferred PM, has seen his rating drop slightly.

Treasurer Scott Morrison believes the coalition is well-placed with less than a year until the election.

"Over the next year, as the distractions continue to peel away what people will focus on, is the consequences of a Labor government and the positive consequences of a continuing coalition government," he told Sky News.

"We've got a plan for a stronger economy and safer Australia and Labor has plans for neither."

The poll published in The Australian covered a period that heavily featured the scandal involving former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, who was criticised by some colleagues for conducting a paid interview about the birth of his son to former staffer Vikki Campion.

The Newspoll also reveals One Nation has taken a hit in its primary vote - which fell from eight to six per cent - following a public spat between leader Pauline Hanson and Senator Brian Burston.

The Greens gained one point, with their primary vote sitting at 10 per cent.

Australian Associated Press