CANBERRA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The majority of Australians say that their financial situation has not improved in the last 12 months, according to a survey released on the third day of the nation's general election campaign.

The survey, which was undertaken by market research firm YouGov and published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Monday, found that 12 percent of respondents said they are currently financially better off than 12 months ago.

Forty-two percent of respondents said they are worse off than a year ago and 46 percent said their financial position is about the same.

The same survey found that 66 percent of Australians believe the government should prioritize financial support, tax cuts and cost-of-living help, with 25 percent saying reducing government debt should be prioritized instead.

The poll was released on the third day of an election campaign in which cost-of-living has been identified as a top issue for voters.

Prior to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling the election for May 3, his Labor Party -- which is seeking a second term in power -- pushed legislation through parliament for a tax cut that will take effect from 2026-27.

The opposition Coalition -- led by Peter Dutton -- has promised to repeal the income tax cut if it wins the election and instead promised to cut the fuel excise -- the federal tax on petrol sales -- by half for one year.

According to the YouGov poll, 65 percent of voters believe Labor's tax cut will not make a noticeable difference to their lives.

A separate poll published by Nine Entertainment newspapers on Sunday night found that 51 percent of voters support Labor's tax cut policy while 68 percent were in favor of Dutton's plan to cut the fuel excise.

Despite Dutton's signature cost-of-living policy proving more popular, 42 percent of respondents to the poll chose Albanese as their preferred PM compared to 33 percent for the Coalition leader.

On a two-party preferred basis, the survey calculated a 51-49 lead for Labor over the Coalition -- matching the findings of another major poll published by News Corp Australia newspapers on Sunday night. Enditem

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