Share this @internewscast.com
Addressing the risk posed by global economic challenges is the top priority for the government, according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers, following an early briefing with the Treasury secretary just after Labor’s notable election triumph.
Chalmers mentioned on ABC’s Insiders program that he had a conversation with Treasury head Steven Kennedy at 6:45 am, where they discussed potential impacts on Australia amid tense US–China dynamics, including the shifts in financial markets and their implications for the domestic economy.
He labeled this concern as the government’s “primary focus.”
“We understand that the direct effects on us from the [US] tariffs are manageable and somewhat limited,” Chalmers informed Insiders.

“However, there is considerable risk looming over the global economy. The ongoing US-China situation indeed casts a significant shadow over international economic conditions.”

A man in a black suit standing in front of a coat of arms background.

In March, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said there would be a $42 billion budget deficit next year. Source: AAP / Jono Searle

In April, Australia’s growth outlook was slashed by a major international body as US President Donald Trump’s sent markets into a tailspin.

The International Monetary Fund said uncertainty had reached unprecedented levels and downgraded Australia’s economic growth projection for 2025 from 2.1 per cent in January to 1.6 per cent.

If the agency’s predictions unfold, about $13 billion would be shaved off Australia’s economy.

Markets rebounded after Trump announced impacting exporters in most countries.
The federal government has also been working to secure a tariff exemption, like it did during Trump’s first term.

The Treasurer expressed the government’s “realistic” perspective on the possible global impacts of Trump’s tariffs but also shared a positive outlook on Australia’s resilience, which includes implementing local policies such as renewable energy initiatives and housing improvements.

Announcing the federal budget earlier this year, Chalmers said there would be a $42 billion budget deficit next financial year and referred to global trade disruptions and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East amid .
Earlier this week, Albanese downplayed concerns Australia could face an economic downturn.

“Our administration has overseen growth every quarter since we took office, a contrast to many other advanced economies,” he remarked.

The Australian Industry Group has congratulated Albanese and Labor on winning a second term but said Australian businesses face immense challenges in the coming months.
“This is the toughest time in a generation to be a business,” the group said.
“Each day sees more global trade disruption, greater market intervention, the building of trade barriers and the risk of global conflict. As a trade-expressed economy, we will not be immune to the consequences of the rapidly changing global landscape.”
In his victory speech on Saturday evening, Albanese referred to global challenges but said his government would address these issues “the Australian way” by “looking after each other while building for the future”.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

For the latest from SBS News, and .
Visit the to access articles, podcasts and videos from SBS News, NITV and our teams covering more than 60 languages.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Efforts to Bridge the Gap Fall Short in Boosting Child Development and Lowering Suicide Rates

New data shows “significant deserts” and service gaps are contributing to worsening…
Ghislaine Maxwell, an accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell is willing to share information, but there’s a condition attached

Ghislaine Maxwell, known for her connection to Jeffrey Epstein, has proposed providing…

Abandoned Overseas: Women and Children Affected by Australia’s Exit Trafficking Dilemma

Key Points Exit trafficking entails sending individuals abroad with the intention of…
Police examining bone in decades-old Adelaide Oval abduction case

Authorities Investigating Bone Linked to Adelaide Oval Abduction Case from Decades Ago

There’s been a notable development in the investigation regarding the abduction of…
Then-senior constable Kristian James Samuel White, 35, fired his Taser at 95-year-old Clare Nowland.

Court Maintains Light Sentence for Officer Who Used Taser on Elderly Woman

The decision not to incarcerate the ex-officer who fatally used a taser…
Australian suspects forced to re-enact alleged Bali killing

Australian Suspects Compelled to Recreate Alleged Murder in Bali

Three Australian men have been forced to re-enact an alleged gangland murder…
Tye Alroe, a property developer based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Alroe died of a heart attack at the age of 39.

Honors Pour In for Influential Real Estate Developer After Unexpected Passing

Gold Coast property developer Tye Alroe has passed away suddenly at the…
Charlie Verco in Hawaii tsunami warning

Australian Stranded in Hawaii Reports Locals ‘Panic Buying’ Following Tsunami Alert

An Australian paddleboarder in Hawaii mentioned that he and his group of…
Man shot dead by police after allegedly attacking his sister with samurai sword

Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Allegedly Attacked Sister with Samurai Sword

A man allegedly attacked his sister with a sword, resulting in her…

Man Arrested for Firebombing Melbourne Synagogue; Police Investigate Overseas Connections

Police say overseas and local criminals are suspected of working together in…
The Wiggles' modern lineup, including Anthony Field (left) and the first woman of colour in the main cast Tsehay Hawkins (right).

Wiggles Opposed YouTube’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, According to Wells

Communications Minister Anika Wells revealed that The Wiggles advocated against the government’s…

Mass Evacuations and Aftershocks Follow Largest Quake in 14 Years, Sparking Tsunami Warnings

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of New Zealand has alerted that…