Almost 60 per cent of Australians say they will not pay any more for clean energy policies, according to a new poll.

In a special Newspoll, reported exclusively by The Australian, respondents claimed they would not be willing to pay a cent more for clean energy targets.

It is expected that Cabinet will approve a framework reducing subsidies for renewable energy.

The consumer watchdog, ACCC, will release a report on Monday showing renewable energy subsidies are contribution to about a seven per cent increase to electricity bills, an average of $100 a year.

But the ACCC attributes the rise to “poor planning” among big electricity companies and a lack of competition.

The latest survey is the 21st consecutive Newspoll where the Coalition has trailed Labor, with Labor leads 54 to 46 per cent, while Malcolm Turnbull’s popularity dipped and Bill Shorten remained preferred prime minister – 41 to 33 per cent.

Cabinet minister Darren Chester rejected suggestions the government was in a “death spiral”.

“I think it’s a ridiculous proposition,” he told ABC TV on Monday morning.

Mr Chester said governments, unlike oppositions, had to make tough decisions.

“Within the culture of politics right now, I think the Australian people are quite happy to give their members of parliament a clip behind the ears to make sure we stay on our toes.”

Cabinet colleague Mathias Cormann put the latest poll in perspective, noting there was no election in the offing.

“Obviously, we’ll be focused at the right time when we go to the next general election to put to the Australian people our track record and plans for the future,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“We’ll explain why in our judgment the alternative agenda is not in the best interests of Australia.”

The minor parties continue to gain ground. The Greens are up one percentage point to 10 per cent, helping Labor to keep its lead on the coalition after preferences are distributed.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party has increased its support from 8 to 9 per cent in the same period.

-with AAP