Jim Chalmers attacks ‘coalition of weirdos’ as Labor pushes Senate to vote on housing fund next week

Jim Chalmers, pictured with finance minister Katy Gallagher, says it beggars belief ‘this coalition of weirdos in the Senate’ opposes Labor’s plan to build more homes. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Labor has increased pressure on the Greens over the housing Australia future fund, signalling it wants the Senate to vote on the bill next week and labelling those opposed a “coalition of weirdos”.

That jibe was delivered by the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, on Friday ahead of a budget that he said would include “additional measures” to help renters.