Trending
Prev Story
Next Story

Uneasy bedfellows Albanese and Chalmers need a budget fix

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) •
October 30, 2026 • 06:27 AM
1
1 reads 0 reactions

The December budget update will test Labor’s appetite to confront its spending addiction and the PM’s willingness to give Chalmers the political backing to do so

Uneasy bedfellows Albanese and Chalmers need a budget fix

The relationship between prime minister and treasurer is perhaps the most consequential and combustible in federal politics.

The treasurer controls the balance sheets and steers the economy, while the prime minister sets the national agenda, manages the cabinet and sells the vision to the electorate. That symbiosis also ties their political fates closely together. Neither can truly deliver an enduring governing record without the other’s success.

Gift articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Tags:
Prev Swipe Story Next

Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 5 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

5 Publications
ABC News Australia
1d ago
The government is in trouble — does Albanese have the skills to fix it?

The government is in trouble — does Albanese have the skills to fix it?

As cost-of-living pressures fuel frustration in the Australian electorate, the shine is fading on Anthony Albanese's leadership. Will he be able to resurrect the trust he once had?

#albanese #fix
Compare →
The Age
3d ago
The midterm message to Trump and Albanese: Fix the economy to keep your job

The midterm message to Trump and Albanese: Fix the economy to keep your job

What can governments do about cost of living? Nothing that is quick or painless.

#albanese #fix
Compare →
Sydney Morning Herald (SMH)
4d ago
Stop leaking against Chalmers and undermining him, Albanese ally says

Stop leaking against Chalmers and undermining him, Albanese ally says

The relationship between Albanese and his treasurer has come into the spotlight as pressure has grown on Labor to combat inflation.

#albanese
Compare →
The Guardian
4h ago
Anthony Albanese’s coffee diplomacy can’t remove shadow of domestic politics at Cop31

Anthony Albanese’s coffee diplomacy can’t remove shadow of domestic politics at Cop31

The Australian prime minister’s use of traditional skills – and free flat whites – brought success in Turkey. But his country’s fossil fuel industry and its culture wars remain a problem

#albanese
Compare →
SBS News Australia
1d ago
Albanese slammed for COP31 address | Morning News Bulletin 12 November 2026

Albanese slammed for COP31 address | Morning News Bulletin 12 November 2026

Prime minister Albanese slammed for failing to mention fossil fuels at the climate summit; Police launch investigation, after human torso was discovered in Sydney; Jillaroos stars ready for Sunday's World Cup final showdown against New Zealand.

#albanese
Compare →

Related Stories

Australia & Pacific
Build #2611