Jim Chalmers responds to the budget’s critics
Jim Chalmers responds to the budget’s critics  
Podcast: Full Story
Published On: Fri May 15 2026
Description: The political editor, Tom McIlroy, and the economics editor, Patrick Commins, speak with Jim Chalmers about the criticisms that his ‘reforming’ and ‘ambitious’ budget, while historic, stands to benefit only a relatively small number of Australians. The treasurer also explains why the budget didn’t include an increase in tax for gas exports, and how this government is putting forward an economic strategy to address the anxieties that lead voters to turn to populism on the right