Jim Chalmers’ bad week: an economic dumpster fire and Labor squabbling

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has faced an outbreak of internal criticism from within Labor in recent weeks, as stubborn inflation and rising interest rates contribute to tough economic conditions. Composite: Getty images

Jim Chalmers was in Bangkok on Thursday – meeting with finance ministers and central bank governors from around the world – during a 13-hour visit. A grim outlook hung over the talks, which came just days after the International Monetary Fund warned that the global economy “could soon test the limits of resilience”.

But even in Thailand’s stifling humidity, the treasurer might have been relieved to be anywhere other than Canberra.