Jim Chalmers 2022

Uncle Brendan, thank you for that generous welcome to country.

I also acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation –

And express my thanks to everybody here who has already joined the journey towards a Voice to Parliament – which is all about recognition, listening, and making a tangible difference to First Nations communities.

GREG JENNETT:

JIM CHALMERS:

The Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review decision is a huge win for Australia’s low‑paid workers.

The 5.75 per cent increase to awards is the biggest increase in history and will help 2.7 million workers.

SARAH FERGUSON:

Treasurer, welcome to 730.

JIM CHALMERS:

Thanks very much, Sarah.

FERGUSON:

Now do you agree with Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe today that we should all be moving in together to solve the rental affordability crisis.

CHALMERS:

The Albanese Government has reappointed Ms Rosheen Garnon as the Chair of the Board of Taxation for a three-year period until 25 March 2026.

Ms Garnon, first appointed in March 2020, has over 30 years of experience in the field of taxation including as a senior partner with KPMG.

The Albanese Government will reappoint Mick Keogh OAM as a Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for a further five years from 30 May.

Mr Keogh has been a Deputy Chair of the ACCC since 2018 and was previously an Associate Commissioner from 2016 to 2018.

Michael Brennan has advised the Government he will not seek reappointment as Chair of the Productivity Commission.

I thank Mr Brennan for his commitment and significant contribution to the Commission’s work over the past five years.

More than five million households and one million small businesses will be eligible for Energy Price Relief Rebates from July 1, as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s responsible and targeted plan to reduce cost‑of‑living pressures.

The centrepiece of the Albanese Labor Government’s second Budget is a $14.6 billion cost‑of‑living package over four years that will ease pressure on Australians while putting downward pressure on inflation.

People are under the pump. We've carefully calibrated and designed this Budget so that it takes pressure off the cost of living rather than adding to it.