Despite the interest rate cut, pressure isn’t easing on the Federal Government.

Julia Gillard’s leadership hangs in the balance as the Coalition’s popularity reaches a record high.

Alice McCarthy reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Data from Newspoll shows the Australian Labor Party’s primary vote is within a point of an all-time low of 26 per cent.

While the primary vote for the Coalition has peaked at an 11-year high.

The Liberal National Party has an 18-point lead on a two-party-preferred basis.

Julia Gillard’s senior ministers are aware of the challenge ahead.

Jenny Macklin, Families Minister: “Plainly, we’ve got a lot of work to do. There’s no point denying that.”

But members of the Opposition say they’re a lost cause.

George Brandis, Shadow Attorney-General: “The Australian people have given up on the Gillard Government.”

In a further headache for the Prime Minister, there’s strong speculation that Qantas is poised to axe 400 heavy maintenance jobs in Victoria with another 660 also on the line.

With newer, more efficient planes some of the airline’s maintenance bases in Melbourne and Brisbane are no longer needed.

Qantas workers fear the worst.

Vox 1: “Hard times. Not just for my family but for all families involved, just the way it’s going to be.”

Either way the workers fate should be known within a fortnight.

Alice McCarthy, QUT News.