Politics With Michelle Grattan: Jim Chalmers On Keeping Australia Out Of Recession Amid The 'Dark Shadow' Of Global Instability

(MENAFN- The Conversation)

This week, the Reserve Bank delivered welcome news for mortgage holders, with another 25 basis points rate cut.

With this cut, some are hoping that the cost-of-living pain will start to finally ease. Economists, however, are still wary of celebrating too early, with Trump's tariffs still creating uncertainty on where the global economy will end up.

Back at home, a re-elected Anthony Albanese and his treasurer, Jim Chalmers, are pushing on with Labor's second term agenda, with Chalmers flagging the need to fix Australia's lagging productivity. When the new parliament meets, Labor's controversial tax changes on superannuation, which failed to pass last term, will be an early test for the government.

Speaking with The Conversation's Politics podcast, Treasurer Jim Chalmers outlines some of his priorities when Parliament resumes in July.

On increasing the superannuation tax on those with $3 million from 15% to 30%, with unrealised capital gains taxed, Chalmers defends the move, despite widespread criticism, including from former prime minister Paul Keating .

Despite Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock saying on Tuesday that due to global uncertainty there's a small possibility of Australia falling into recession, Chalmers outlines the case for optimism.

On a lighter note, Chalmers tells us what's on his reading list over the winter break:

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