According to a poll conducted on Sunday, Australian Prime Minister John Howard is facing a significant defeat in the upcoming national election, with high-profile former television presenter Maxine McKew leading in the polls for Howard's Sydney-based seat. The poll, conducted by Galaxy for The Sunday Telegraph newspaper and SBS television, showed McKew ahead of Howard by 46 percent to 53 percent when votes were distributed to the two major parties. McKew, who was recruited by the rival Labor Party to challenge Howard, was 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 decision by Australia's central bank to raise interest rates to a decade high of 6.50 percent in order to combat inflation driven by strong domestic demand, low unemployment, and rapid global growth. This increase in interest rates has been negatively impacting Howard, who won his fourth election in 2004 with the promise of "Keeping interest rates low." The central bank has increased interest rates five times, impacting Howard's Liberal-National coalition in suburbs where voters are struggling with high mortgages due to a credit binge fueled by low-interest rates. Changes in demographics, such as a growing Asian community in Howard's own electorate, have also influenced voter sentiment. Howard's policies requiring new arrivals to adopt Australian values and learn English have caused tension with immigrant families. Despite polls suggesting a potential shift in power, senior Labor lawmaker Bob McMullan believes it will be difficult to remove Howard from office. "We are approaching the conclusion of this three-year term and the public is receptive to the possibility of change. However, I believe that their voting preferences are not fixed, but rather flexible," stated in an interview on Australian television. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed confidence that Prime Minister Howard's experience and insight would secure his victory, while criticizing opposition leader Kevin Rudd for lacking a clear vision for Australia's future. Downer acknowledged that controversy surrounding the current government's performance is inevitable, but emphasized the importance of being realistic rather than overly optimistic." I am someone who is quite calm and composed when it comes to the challenges that are waiting for me in the future.