Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been described as safe in his role despite reports of internal Labor criticism and leaks over the government’s handling of the cost-of-living pressures.
Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said Dr Chalmers was “absolutely” secure and was not facing a challenge from junior colleagues. “The treasurer is leading a very ambitious program,” he told Nine’s Today programme.
The Treasurer’s economic management has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, with a series of reports pointing to tensions within Labor’s caucus, particularly over the response to cost-of-living concerns and the relationship between Dr Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Interest rates reached an 18-year high of 4.85 per cent in November as the Reserve Bank dealt with rising inflation. Dr Chalmers has repeatedly said Australia is one of the few developed economies not to have experienced a recession, citing that as a reason for the elevated rates.
Andrew Charlton, a rising Labor figure and cabinet secretary, said the party remained behind the Treasurer. “I think the caucus supports Jim Chalmers because they know he’s doing a good job in a difficult time,” he told Seven’s Sunrise.
Dr Charlton declined to speculate about the identity of those behind the reports, saying: “I’m not going to speculate on leaks that people aren’t putting their name to.”
His appointment as cabinet secretary in 2025 gave him access to some of the government’s most sensitive documents and discussions. Critics have viewed the move as a slight against Dr Chalmers, while Dr Charlton’s economics doctorate from Oxford University has led to speculation that he could be a contender for the Treasurer’s position.
Asked whether he would accept the job if it became available, Dr Charlton said he was focused on his current responsibilities and work on artificial intelligence policy.
Frontbencher Murray Watt, a supporter of Mr Albanese, was also pressed on the reports and said he hoped the leaks targeting Dr Chalmers would stop. “I think it’s pretty obvious that there are all sorts of people making all sorts of comments,” he told journalists.
Asked whether he wanted to see an end to the undermining and leaking, Dr Watt replied: “Yes, I would.”
