According to a poll conducted by Galaxy for The Sunday Telegraph newspaper and SBS television, Australian Prime Minister John Howard is facing a significant defeat in the upcoming election, with high-profile former television presenter Maxine McKew leading him by 53 percent to 46 percent in votes distributed to the two major parties. McKew, who was recruited by the rival Labor Party to challenge Howard, is also tied with the veteran prime minister in terms of who would do the best job for the seat of Bennelong, which Howard has held since 1974. The poll was conducted following a recent decision by Australia's central bank to raise interest rates to a decade high of 6.50 percent in order to combat inflation caused by strong domestic demand, low unemployment, and rapid global growth. Howard, who won his fourth election in 2004 under the slogan "Keeping interest rates low," has been negatively affected by the increase in interest rates. The central bank has raised interest rates five times, which is impacting support for Howard's Liberal-National coalition in key suburban areas where voters are struggling with high mortgages and a credit binge fueled by low-interest rates. Additionally, Howard is facing challenges in his own constituency due to changes in demographics and policies that have upset immigrant families. Despite this, Senior Labor lawmaker Bob McMullan believes it will be difficult to remove Howard from office, regardless of polling data. "We are approaching the end of the three-year term and the public is considering the possibility of change. However, I believe their voting preferences are not fixed and may change," stated a television interviewee. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed confidence in Prime Minister Howard's wisdom and experience, suggesting it would secure his victory. Downer criticized opposition leader Kevin Rudd for lacking a clear plan for Australia's future. Downer acknowledged the controversies surrounding the incumbent, stating that it is a common occurrence in politics."I don't want to appear overly optimistic," Downer added. Paraphrased text = I am a person who remains calm and composed despite the challenges that are to come.