Chalmers confirms millions to receive up to $500 in energy rebates in Tuesday budget

The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has promised energy rebates to households and small businesses to address major cost-of-living pressures. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has promised hundreds of dollars of energy rebates to 5.5m households as part of cost-of-living relief which will apply “to more than one age cohort”.

After reports on Monday that an increase in the base rate of jobseeker may be limited to the over-55s, which Chalmers did not contradict, on Sunday the treasurer continued to reposition expectations by noting the “cost-of-living package is much broader than what has been speculated on”.