Jim Chalmers accuses Coalition of ‘downward envy’ as Dutton refuses to commit to jobseeker increase in budget

Angus Taylor repeats claims budget may have increased chances Reserve Bank will further increase interest rates

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The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has accused the Coalition of “downward envy” as the opposition considers whether to oppose Labor’s modest increases to welfare in Thursday’s budget reply.

Speaking at the traditional post-budget National Press Club lunch on Wednesday, Chalmers reminded the opposition that “the broader Australian community … funding help for the most vulnerable” is “the whole basis of social security”.

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