Poll shows Abbott creeping up on Rudd

The latest opinion poll shows support for federal Labor and its emissions trading scheme is on the decline.

The Nielsen poll in today's Sydney Morning Herald reveals Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's emissions reduction fund is more popular when compared to the Government's emissions trading scheme (ETS).

Forty-five per cent of those polled preferred Mr Abbott's plan compared to 39 per cent who supported an ETS.

While the Labor Party and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd still lead the Coalition and Mr Abbott, the gap is narrowing.

Mr Rudd's approval rating has dropped by six points to 60 per cent since the last poll in late November but that is still ahead of Mr Abbott's 44 per cent.

But Mr Abbott's support is increasing: he gained three points compared to his predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Rudd's rating as preferred prime minister is down nine points to 58 per Mr Abbott's rating is at 31 per cent, an increase of 10 points on Mr Turnbull.

On a two-party preferred basis, Labor is ahead by eight percentage points with 54 per cent, compared to the Coalition's 46 per cent.