Jim Chalmers 2022

TOM ELLIOTT:

So, at the start of the programme today, we spoke about the new policy of the federal government to preserve a role for cash in our economy. They also want to get rid of cheques in a few years’ time. Our next guest is the federal Treasurer of Australia, Jim Chalmers. Good morning.

JIM CHALMERS:

MICHAEL ROWLAND:

Treasurer, a very good morning to you.

JIM CHALMERS:

Good morning, Michael.

ROWLAND:

Why is the government doing this?

CHALMERS:

SALLY SARA:

The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins me now. Treasurer, welcome back to Breakfast.

JIM CHALMERS:

Thanks very much Sally, nice to see you.

SARA:

Why are you trying to save cash, and which businesses will be forced to accept it?

CHALMERS:

SARAH ABO:

Good morning to you, Treasurer. We’ve got a bit to get through this morning. How are you doing?

JIM CHALMERS:

I’m great, Sarah. Thanks for having me back. Can I shout out the Queensland Children’s Hospital too? I’ve spent a bit of time there and had a bit to do with them over the years, they’re wonderful people.

MONIQUE WRIGHT:

Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins us now live. Morning to you, Treasurer. Good to see you.

JIM CHALMERS:

Good morning, Monique.

WRIGHT:

Just talk to us first about what’s prompted the fight to save cash, because we know that the majority of Australians are using digital payments.

The Albanese Government is taking action so Australians can continue to pay with cash for essential items if they want to, while also ensuring an orderly transition to phase out cheques.

People are increasingly using digital payment methods, but there is an ongoing place for cash in our society under the Albanese Government.

HOST:

Thank you, Treasurer. Such an engaging and insightful speech. So, thank you very much. So, the Treasurer has agreed to take some questions from the floor, and I’ll wrangle these as best I can. But we have a couple of microphones in place.

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

Under Labor, people are earning more and keeping more of what they earn.

The Wage Price Index grew 0.8 per cent in the quarter to be 3.5 per cent higher through the year.

Thank you to the Australian Business Economists for the kind invitation, and to Stephen for the gracious introduction.

It’s an honour to be with you on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people – whose elders, customs and culture I acknowledge at the outset.

This is a very thoughtful and distinguished group with a long, proud history, and so ably led by Besa.

Thanks, Heather, for the invitation and the very kind introduction.

It’s hard to imagine a more important time to meet, or a more welcome opportunity.

Just after the most consequential American election we’ve seen.

And just before our own Prime Minister joins his colleagues and counterparts at APEC in Peru and G20 meetings in Brazil.