Guardian Essential poll shows NSW Coalition’s primary vote falling below 40%

About 37% of respondents intend to give the Coalition their first preference vote, while Labor's primary vote remains the same

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The New South Wales Coalition faces a tough road to re-election, with the latest Guardian Essential poll showing its primary vote falling below 40% as it defended the controversial appointment of former deputy premier John Barilaro to a New York trade role.

However, 49% of voters approve of Dominic Perrottet's performance as premier since he took over the job from Gladys Berejiklian, who resigned amid a corruption investigation last year.