Liberal heavyweight Josh Frydenberg is once again at the fore of Australian politics, with secret polling feeling out how voters might take the return of the former treasurer following his narrow defeat at the 2022 federal election.
Independent Monique Ryan snatched Mr Frydenberg’s leafy Melbourne seat with 52.9 per cent of the election after preferences, part of a “Teal wave” that ousted a number of Liberals from affluent metropolitan electorates.
Now Kooyong voters have been asked about Dr Ryan’s support for an Indigenous Voice to parliament and whether they might change their vote if Opposition Leader Peter Dutton remained leader and Mr Frydenberg returned.
The next election is booked for 2025 and one pollster has said it is “highly unusual” for polling to be conducted so early.
It is unclear who organised the poll and Dr Ryan’s office has denied the independent member directed it.
Liberal sources have also denied the polling came from them.
Mr Frydenberg, once tipped as a potential opposition leader to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a future prime minister, has taken up a position with the Goldman Sachs banking group since his defeat.
It is unclear if he will tilt again at federal politics.
NCA NewsWire has contacted Dr Ryan’s office for comment.