The Latest Breaking News from Jim Chalmers

How treasurer could make capital gains taxes 'fairer'

The capital gains tax discount should be reduced to address economic inequity and make housing more affordable, economists say.

AAP · Jan 14

Australia unveils stockpile plan for critical minerals

A $1.2 billion investment in critical minerals will be spruiked by Australia when finance ministers from major economies convene in the US capital.

AAP · Jan 11

Charges and changes: electric car shifts coming in 2026

Twists and turns are coming to Australia's electric car market, from a potential road-user charge and tax reform to the price of models launching on our shores.

AAP · Jan 1

Dishing the public dosh to force RBA's hand on rates

With the government unlikely to restrain public spending, the Reserve Bank will have to lift rates in 2026 to keep inflation under control, economists say.

AAP · Dec 17, 2025

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jim Chalmers on the Bondi terror attack and the mid-year budget update

The mid-year budget update would normally be big news. But this week it’s been entirely overshadowed by the devastating Bondi terror attack.

The Conversation · Dec 17, 2025

Budget takes $8.2b hit thanks to black market tobacco

The treasurer has flagged more funding to root out illicit tobacco syndicates but refused to lower the excise burning a hole in the federal budget.

AAP · Dec 17, 2025

Afternoon Update: Bondi gunman charged with murder and terrorism; 13th victim named; and Khawaja falls short of Ashes ton

Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including committing a terrorist act and 15 counts of murder

The Guardian - AU · Dec 17, 2025

Rate hikes, rising inflation and difficult decisions: key takeaways from Jim Chalmers’ budget update

Treasurer says his Myefo, which shows a small improvement in the budget bottom line, is ‘the most responsible’ on record

The Guardian - AU · Dec 17, 2025

The budget update shows a slight improvement in the federal deficit, but it’s mostly due to good luck

The federal government’s mid-year budget update shows a modest improvement in the deficit forecast in 2025–26, but much of this comes from a larger-than-forecast tax take.

The Conversation · Dec 17, 2025

Science funding boost amid 'aggressive' CSIRO job cuts

The national science agency that invented wi-fi has received a substantial budget commitment but the union representing its workers says the sum is not enough.

AAP · Dec 17, 2025