Stop undermining Jim Chalmers, environment minister urges Labor colleagues
Summary
Environment Minister Murray Watt urged Labor colleagues to support Treasurer Jim Chalmers amid reports of internal criticism as the government considers spending cuts. Cabinet ministers are reviewing savings for a mid-year budget update, including possible changes to clean-energy subsidies, while recent polls showed Labor’s primary vote falling.Key Facts
- Watt said Chalmers was doing an excellent job in difficult economic conditions and called for ministers to support one another.
- Watt acknowledged that people within Labor were making comments that undermined Chalmers.
- Cabinet’s expenditure review committee met to consider potential savings for a budget update expected in mid-December.
- The government is considering scrutiny of public-service spending and possible changes to its home battery and electric-vehicle subsidy programs.
- The home battery program was announced in April 2025 with an initial estimated cost of about $2 billion; more than 600,000 systems have been installed.
- The Resolve Political Monitor put Labor’s primary vote at 28%, down from 34.6% at the previous election; a separate Redbridge poll put it at 26%.
- Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock said public and private spending had contributed to excess demand in the economy.
- Watt said the Coalition was blocking proposed measures that he said would save the government $10 billion.
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