The Opposition has edged ahead of Australian Labor government in the latest polls released on Tuesday.

The Newspoll published by The Australian daily found the Opposition leads Labor 52 percent to 48 percent on a two-party- preferred basis.

Two weeks ago the parties were locked together on 50 percent each. It is believed to be the first time the Opposition has edged ahead of Labor since the Aug. 21 federal election.

The poll also showed Prime Minister Julia Gillard leads Opposition Leader Tony Abbott as preferred prime minister, 53 percent to 32 percent.

Meanwhile, federal Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have lined up to attack the government as the Newspoll showed flagging voter support for Labor.

“This is a bad government that’s getting worse,” Abbott told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

Nationals MP Darren Chester indicated that the biggest issue for the government was continuing anger over a water management reform plan for the Murray Darling Basin.