Chalmers deserves job despite poor polls, cabinet colleagues say
Cabinet ministers backed Treasurer Jim Chalmers to keep his job. This came after the Reserve Bank raised rates.
Amanda Rishworth, a cabinet colleague, defended Jim Chalmers as Treasurer. Ms Rishworth pointed to his work on tax reform and housing for first-home buyers.
"Of course he does deserve to keep his job," she told the Today Show. Chalmers faces growing criticism over inflation and spending.
His approval rating is minus 16. About 40 per cent of voters are unhappy with him.
The RBA raised the cash rate for a fifth time this year. This added pressure on the government to explain its economic strategy.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said any spending cuts would hurt vulnerable Australians. Key services like Medicare, aged care and the NDIS would suffer.
Chalmers acknowledged the difficult polling but said he expected criticism when making major economic reforms.
- Minus 16
- Chalmers approval rating
- About 40 per cent
- Voter disapproval
- Fifth time
- RBA rate rises this year
Why it mattersPublic cabinet support shows the government stands by its Treasurer. This is true despite poor polling. It also reveals tension inside the government. People disagree on who is responsible for economic conditions.
AustraliaAustralians facing fifth interest rate rise this year now see government ministers trying to explain why their economic approach should continue, as the Albanese government faces slipping support.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
