Treasurer Chalmers hits new low in polls as rate rise looms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 02:32 · Archive

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has reached a minus 16 approval rating in the latest Newspoll as Labor's vote falls to its lowest since 2022.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has recorded a minus 16 approval rating in the latest Newspoll, with only 24 per cent of respondents satisfied with his performance, 40 per cent dissatisfied and 16 per cent neutral.

Labor's primary vote fell to its equal-lowest level since winning government in 2022. One Nation gained a one-point lead at 28 per cent, while the Coalition's core support rose for a third consecutive time, reaching 21 per cent.

The poor polling comes ahead of a widely expected interest rate hike. Cabinet minister Tanya Plibersek said that 'no reforming treasurer in Australian history hasn't copped it when they've made big changes', adding 'when the government makes the tough decisions, the Treasurer is the one who has to lose skin on it'. Mr Chalmers acknowledged his role in Labor's decline, telling the Inside Politics podcast 'it's only right and only fair that I put my hand up and take responsibility for my share of that'.

Reporting indicates Mr Chalmers has struggled to get proposals through cabinet's Expenditure Review Committee, with the Prime Minister and senior factional allies repeatedly opposing pitches to raise revenue and spend less.

How it is being reported

• Poll pain for Federal Labor and the Treasurer as rate hike loomsTreasurer Jim Chalmers has felt the wrath of voters in the latest Newspoll, as the country braces for another interest rate hike.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 02:09
• Poll pain for Federal Labor and the Treasurer as rate hike loomsTreasurer Jim Chalmers has felt the wrath of voters in the latest Newspoll, as the country braces for another interest rate hike.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 02:09

In this story: Jim Chalmers · Tanya Plibersek · Labor · One Nation · Coalition · Australia

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