Polls Show One Nation Leading; Chalmers Cites Economic Concerns

Recent opinion polls indicate that One Nation has emerged as the most popular party, a development that Treasurer Jim Chalmers attributes to both legitimate economic anxieties and what he describes as a "scare campaign" by the political right.

Budget Priorities: Outcomes Over Politics

Chalmers emphasized that the upcoming budget is focused on achieving the right outcomes, not scoring political points. He stated the budget aims to boost first home ownership, rather than improve the government's political standing.

"The budget is about achieving the right outcomes, not scoring political points."

The Treasurer noted he "would be surprised if any government gained a polling boost from a budget" in the current political context, suggesting that voter sentiment is currently driven by deeper concerns than fiscal policy alone.

Criticism of the Political Right

Chalmers accused the right of wanting to benefit from people's concerns about the economy and global events, rather than addressing them constructively.

He contrasted his party's approach with a "three ring circus" on the right, claiming that his own side is genuinely acting on people's legitimate concerns while the opposition offers only spectacle.