Jim Chalmers has argued that Labor has a responsibility to move beyond its election mandate, emphasizing that the nation’s future prosperity depends on creating an ambitious agenda that focuses on a more productive economy and tax reform. In a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra, the treasurer stated that a three-day reform roundtable starting from August 19 would be a genuine attempt to find common ground in the service of the shared national economic interest.
Chalmers recognized the necessity to lower the tax burden on Australian workers and prepare for a future where fossil fuel profits are no longer a significant source of federal revenue. Criticizing the media’s “rule-in rule-out game” and its negative impact on change, he said no sensible progress can be made on productivity, resilience, or budget sustainability without serious consideration of tax reform.
He emphasized that tax reform is not just about balancing spending and collecting taxes but also about boosting productivity and investment, lowering personal tax burdens, and creating a more sustainable and equitable system. The treasurer pointed out that the government is currently collecting less tax compared to the John Howard and Peter Costello era, suggesting a historical precedent for increasing the tax take.
However, he also acknowledged structural challenges such as an aging population and a future where fossil fuel exports will be less lucrative. The global transition to net zero, he noted, will reshape the country’s resource revenue, making tax reform crucial for budget sustainability along with controlling spending and addressing long-term pressures.
Chalmers called for a collective responsibility in pushing for reform, arguing that it is not just the treasurer’s or cabinet’s test but a test for the country. He also addressed criticism over Labor’s modest superannuation changes, accusing some of championing tax reform in theory while blocking specific steps towards it.
He criticized the media for creating an environment that discourages bold policymaking, specifically mentioning the “rule-in-rule-out game” that can limit the country’s ability to respond to significant challenges with the necessary flexibility and maturity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/18/jim-chalmers-says-medias-rule-in-rule-out-game-on-tax-reform-has-cancerous-effect-on-policy-debates
