Jim Chalmers
Opinion
Federal budget
Money can’t buy everything, but Chalmers can buy an inflation reduction
The treasurer’s use of new policy tools to solve new kinds of inflation has enraged many commentators, but the anger of those stuck in the past doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be looking to the future.
- by Richard Denniss
Latest
Opinion
Federal budget
How the budget was hijacked by a $300 cherry on the top
The energy rebate is a perfectly sensible device to hasten progress in getting inflation down to the target zone.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Federal budget
Albanese has a vision splendid. Can Dutton the wrecker spoil it?
The opposition leader’s catchy “billions for billionaires” has the potential to destroy the PM’s Future Made in Australia before it’s had a chance to begin.
- by Peter Hartcher
Chalmers’ budget is suffering from tobacco withdrawal
Big tobacco excise increases have been used to boost the budget bottom line. But fewer smokers, more vapers and a burgeoning black market are killing the tax cash cow.
- by Shane Wright and Natassia Chrysanthos
Opinion
Federal budget
Budget’s unspoken message: Maybe we’ll pull off the softest of soft landings
The rate of inflation will probably continue falling and should be back into the target range by this December.
- by Ross Gittins
Unemployment increase reduces chance of higher interest rates
Economists say the job market is cracking under the pressure of the Reserve Bank’s aggressive interest rate hikes.
- by Rachel Clun and Shane Wright
How do I get the $300 energy bill rebate? Your top budget questions answered
From cost-of-living relief to inflation, our experts unpack your most pressing concerns from the federal budget.
- by Rachel Clun and Ross Gittins
Chemists to lose dollar-discount option as government bows to Pharmacy Guild pressure
Chemist Warehouse will be stripped of its ability to give its customers $1 off their medicines under a change the Pharmacy Guild has been pushing for years.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos
Stoush over $13.7b tax credits threatens to stall flagship budget policy
Labor will be forced into talks with the Greens over new curbs on coal and gas in a bid to salvage the $13.7 billion tax credits in its “made in Australia” budget plan, after the Coalition rubbished the new measure.
- by David Crowe
Opinion
Federal budget
Albanese’s GST mauling of NSW Labor mates invites blood at federal poll
Its treatment of the Minns Labor government in the GST carve-up could be costly for the federal ALP in critical NSW seats.
- by Alexandra Smith