Uproar as Liberal Fires an Unacceptable Slur at Chalmers
Heated scenes unfolded in Canberra after Treasurer Jim Chalmers accused Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley of dishonesty, intensifying an already tense political climate amid troubling economic reports. The situation escalated during Question Time on Wednesday following a fierce exchange between senior Liberal Alex Hawke and Treasurer Chalmers, compelling the Speaker to restore order.
Hawke lashed out on the parliamentary floor, launching a personal attack against Chalmers rarely witnessed in the chamber.
“No, you are hopeless and a liar,” Hawke shouted. “Lying to the Australian people. If lying is in order… This is a liar.”
The confrontation erupted after Chalmers accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation about Labor’s economic management.
“From time to time, reluctantly, it is on us to point out the egregious lies being told by those opposite about our economy,”
Chalmers remarked, defending the government’s fiscal record.
The clash stemmed from questions by Opposition treasury spokesman Ted O’Brien about the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold interest rates steady. O’Brien contended that the Albanese government’s fiscal policy had influenced the Bank’s stance.
“Given the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep rates on hold, millions of Australian mortgage holders will start wondering if interest rates are as low as they will ever go under this government… will the Prime Minister take responsibility?”
Chalmers countered the challenge sharply, even taking aim at internal Liberal divisions as tensions continued to rise.
Author’s Summary
A fiery parliamentary clash in Canberra saw Alex Hawke call Jim Chalmers a liar after disputes over economic policy and the Reserve Bank’s decision on interest rates.