Labor cabinet secretary downplays speculation about Treasury reshuffle

Labor cabinet secretary Andrew Charlton told Seven’s Sunrise programme on Tuesday that he has no intention of replacing Treasurer Jim Chalmers in a potential reshuffle. Charlton said he is "very focused on my job" and added that he is currently working on artificial intelligence policy, describing it as one of the biggest issues facing Australia.

Charlton praised Chalmers’s performance, noting that the treasurer is dealing with "big, difficult challenges" for the Australian economy. He highlighted Chalmers’s efforts to lower inflation and achieve two budget surpluses, as well as initiatives aimed at helping young Australians purchase their first home.

The comments come as speculation has grown in recent weeks about a possible cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Media reports have linked the speculation to a decline in the government’s popularity, which analysts attribute to economic pressures, including a recent interest‑rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Charlton, a Rhodes scholar who also serves as assistant minister for science, technology and the digital economy, said his focus remains on AI policy rather than seeking a new portfolio. He did not comment on any internal discussions about Treasury advice or the future of Chalmers’s role.