Jim Chalmers 2022

David Speers:

Welcome to the program.

Jim Chalmers:

Thanks very much, David.

Speers:

So the Shadow Treasurer says they’re not going to stand in the way of this. Do you welcome that?

Chalmers:

Tonight, I will fly to Washington, D.C. Once there, I plan to meet with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

Our established relationship predates this meeting, but this will be our first discussion since confirmation in his new role.

We will meet at an important time for the global economic outlook.

New data released by the ABS today shows that real wages have now grown for five consecutive quarters under the Albanese Labor Government.

Inflation is down, real wages are up again, unemployment is low and now interest rates are coming down as well.

Anika Wells:

Hamish Macdonald:

Peter Fegan:

James Glenday:

Let’s bring in the federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers who has been extremely busy since yesterday. Jim, good morning.

Jim Chalmers:

Good morning, James.

Glenday:

You’re back in Logan. Did you head down to the tavern and celebrate last night?

Chalmers:

Sally Sara:

The federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers is my guest this morning. Treasurer, welcome back to Breakfast.

Jim Chalmers:

Thanks for having me back, Sally.

Sara:

Will this rate cut be enough to get the government, get Labor across the line in the upcoming election in your view?

Natalie Barr:

Now the RBA has officially pulled the trigger, delivering much needed relief in the form of a rate cut for millions of Aussies. The decision, driven by easing inflation, saw the cash rate drop by 0.25 of a per cent.

Matt Shirvington:

Karl Stefanovic:

Well, homeowners across Australia are this morning celebrating the first rate cut in 4 years, which will see interest on home loans by $4 billion a year. We’re joined now by Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, live in Logan, Queensland.

Jim, good morning to you. So does one rate cut save your bacon or what?