All the key takeaways from the treasurers' debate
Thanks for following along with us tonight for the treasurers’ debate, as Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor went head to head for the first time. Here are the key takeaways from the debate:
The treasurer kicked off the debate by saying Labor’s economic plan has Australia well-placed to face “uncertain times in the world,” by building on the progress from the past three years.
In his opening remarks, the shadow treasurer claimed Australians were worse off now than they were three years ago.
Chalmers took aim at the Coalition more broadly, saying the party was “full of these kind of Doge-y sycophants who have hitched their wagon to American-style slogans and policies”.
Taylor, meanwhile, argued Chalmers was overseeing a “lost decade”, while taking aim at Labor’s budget.
The treasurer accused Taylor of being “evasive” when asked what the Coalition would cut to fund its nuclear reactors.
Chalmers accused Taylor of using “made up numbers” to attack Labor’s economic credentials, after being asked if he would apologise for Labor’s promise of a $275 reduction in energy prices at the last election.
Taylor promised the Coalition would guarantee health and education spending.
He also repeatedly pointed to the Coalition’s fuel excise cuts and its plan to stop wasteful spending.
In closing, Chalmers said the election was a choice between “responsible economic management” or “Dutton’s Coalition of cuts and chaos,” repeating his warning against their “secret cuts”.
Taylor, instead, pointed to his experience in business and economics and said Australia “can’t afford another three years like the last three”.
Krishani Dhanji will be back with you bright and early tomorrow morning, for yet another day on the campaign trail. Until then, take care and enjoy your night.
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Are Australians better off than three years ago?
Many times throughout tonight’s debate, the question of whether Australians are better off today than they were three years ago was raised.
Our economics editor, Patrick Commins, says it’s not black and white:
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