A recent poll indicates that Australian Prime Minister John Howard is at risk of suffering a major defeat in the upcoming election, potentially losing his own seat in Sydney. According to the Galaxy poll conducted for The Sunday Telegraph newspaper and SBS television, Howard is trailing behind former television presenter Maxine McKew by 46 percent to 53 percent among voters who support the two major parties. McKew, who joined the Labor Party to challenge Howard, is also tied with him in terms of who voters believe would best represent the seat of Bennelong, which Howard has held since 1974. The poll was conducted following a decision by Australia's central bank to raise interest rates to 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 with the promise of "Keeping interest rates low," has been negatively impacted by the increase in interest rates. The central bank has increased interest rates five times, which is affecting support for Howard's Liberal-National coalition in suburban areas with high mortgage burdens and heavy borrowing. Howard is also facing challenges in his own district due to a growing Asian population and a significant number of residents who speak languages other than English at home. Howard's policies on immigration and assimilation have caused tension with some immigrant families. Despite poll results, senior Labor lawmaker Bob McMullan believes it will be difficult to defeat Howard in the upcoming election. "We are approaching the end of the current three-year term and there is a willingness for change among the people. However, I believe their voting preferences are not fixed and can change easily," he stated in an interview with Australian television. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed confidence in Howard's experience and knowledge to lead him to victory, while criticizing opposition leader Kevin Rudd for lacking a clear plan for Australia's future. Downer acknowledged the controversy surrounding the incumbent's record, stating that it is a common occurrence in politics. "I don't want to always appear overly optimistic," he added. I am someone who is quite calm when facing the challenges that are coming.