The Fairfax Ipsos poll, published on Monday, found Mr Shorten had moved past Mr Abbott as preferred prime minister and is now regarded by voters as “stronger, more trustworthy and more competent”.

It’s a stunning reversal in the leaders’ fortunes in just six months but, as Coalition MPs would be quick to console themselves, it is just one poll.

And, as Mr Abbott reminded journalists on Monday, he is not the first PM to suffer a dip in the polls - nor will he be the last.

But the slide in the government’s trustworthiness rating is still a significant result in the current climate.

In opposition, Mr Abbott stridently attacked the Gillard and Rudd governments on the issue of trust.

He promised a “no surprises” government under his watch, one that would deliver what it promised.

At the same time, Mr Abbott allowed himself to be photographed in front of protest signs screaming “Juliar” and “Ditch The Witch”.

His plan was as deliberate as it was unsubtle, and Mr Abbott is now being judged by the same standard he set for his predecessors.

Clearly, many voters believe he is not meeting that standard.

On Tuesday Mr Abbott dumped his $7 GP co-payment and replaced it with a $5 cut to the Medicare rebate paid to doctors. It was an attempt to avoid the humiliation of a total back down on one of his most unpopular post-election surprises but it succeeded only in adding the medical profession to those he has got off-side.

It is far too early for talk of a possible leadership change in the Liberals and it will take more than one poll to ruffle Mr Abbott, though the Christmas break has probably come at a good time to ease the pressure on him.

But his current troubles are a cautionary tale to all politicians that voters have long memories, and an eagle eye for anything that looks like hypocrisy.