Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has conceded that government spending has contributed to the lift in spending across the economy.

Bullock links government spending to rate hike as opposition hits out at Chalmers

The federal Treasurer spent this week claiming government spending was not a factor in the RBA’s decision to lift rates. The bank’s boss says there is a link.

  • Shane Wright

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August 2025. “This time they appear to be on the same page.”

Can Jim Chalmers deliver serious tax reform? Why the 2026 budget now looms as his best chance

With Anthony Albanese open to possible changes to the capital gains tax discount,this is the treasurer’s best opportunity to shift the dial.

  • James Massola
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about changes to capital gains tax during question time on Thursday.

The tax deduction that will cost Australia $250bn over the next decade (and it’s not negative gearing)

The government is mulling a change to the capital gains tax concession. New analysis shows that without change,it will cost the budget $250 billion.

  • Shane Wright
Treasurer Jim Chalmers admitted inflation was higher than he would like.

Coalition’s neglect has forced Labor to increase spending

Restoring basic capacity is not profligacy;it is delayed maintenance.

Reducing the concession on capital gains is argued by supporters as a way to help young people into the property market.

Cutting capital gains deductions opens door to bigger cuts

The government is considering winding back the capital gains tax concession as part of a broader change to taxes in the May budget.

  • Shane Wright andJames Massola
RBA governor Michele Bullock.

One rate rise not enough to tame inflation as most home buyers well ahead on mortgages

When the Reserve Bank cut interest rates last year,most borrowers did not reduce their repayments. That may save them from the pain of this week’s rate increase.

  • Shane Wright
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Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers at Parliament House in Canberra today.

Treasurer Chalmers should tap the brakes on spending

Opinions differ on the impact of government spending,but Australians have little idea how they affect interest rates

  • The Herald's View
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers during question time.

Treasurer under pressure to fix budget after RBA lifts rates for first time in years

The government is under pressure to rein in spending and rev up the economy,or,as one expert warns,the nation may have “bigger problems than an interest rate rise”.

  • Shane Wright andMillie Muroi
Plenty to think about … Chalmers in Tuesday’s question time.

More rate hikes are on the way unless Chalmers finds savings in May

The May budget now shapes as an enormous test for Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

  • Shane Wright
After a question from Nationals leader David Littleproud,Treasurer Jim Chalmers comments on his new seat on the backbench.
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'I can't hear you back there':Chalmers

After a question from Nationals leader David Littleproud,Treasurer Jim Chalmers comments on his new seat on the backbench.