Overview

• Donald Trump's tariff policies have intensified economic uncertainty in Australia, with markets reacting sharply and recession fears looming large in public discourse.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers denied recession forecasts, accusing opposition leader Peter Dutton of spreading false claims about the government’s economic outlook.
• Chalmers criticized the Coalition’s economic strategy, alleging plans for secret spending cuts to fund nuclear projects, which he described as an 'economic ambush.'
• Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor emphasized cutting waste, slashing red tape, and boosting business investment as the Coalition’s approach to managing inflation and economic challenges.
• Both leaders acknowledged the global economic volatility but presented starkly contrasting visions on cost-of-living relief and fiscal management ahead of the federal election.