Cabinet Minister Defends Treasurer Following Disappointing Polling Results

Cabinet minister Tanya Plibersek has defended Treasurer Jim Chalmers, stating that voter backlash is an inevitable consequence for any reforming treasurer making significant policy changes. Ms Plibersek's remarks follow the release of a Newspoll survey that recorded a drop in the federal government's primary vote and positioned Mr Chalmers with the lowest approval rating among senior government ministers.

According to the Newspoll data, Mr Chalmers registered a minus 16 approval rating, with 24 per cent of respondents expressing satisfaction with his performance, 40 per cent expressing dissatisfaction, and 16 per cent remaining neutral. The polling figures also indicated a decline in Labor's primary vote alongside shifts in core support for other political entities.

Appearing on television on Monday, Ms Plibersek stated that no reforming treasurer in Australian history has avoided criticism when implementing major shifts. She emphasised that cabinet members collectively support the Treasurer and participate in making difficult policy choices, noting that the Treasurer frequently bears the political cost of those decisions.

Last week, Mr Chalmers acknowledged his role in the declining poll numbers during an appearance on the Inside Politics podcast. He stated that it was fair for him to accept responsibility for his share of the drop in support, while adding that how other individuals describe their own responsibilities remains a matter for them.

The polling results and ministerial comments coincide with reports that the Treasurer has faced resistance within the cabinet's Expenditure Review Committee. According to those reports, the Prime Minister and senior factional allies have pushed back against proposals aimed at increasing revenue and reducing expenditure.