Chalmers’ inflation commitment incites major disagreement over “Big Australia” with Dutton
The Australian Labor Party’s Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers has pledged to keep inflation under control if his party were to be elected, sparking a row with the Liberal Party’s home affairs minister Peter Dutton over the issue of “Big Australia”.
Chalmers said that inflation would be kept at the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target range of two to three per cent, and that his party would keep the Australian economy moving forward. However, Dutton took issue with this, suggesting that the policies of a Labor government would lead to unsustainable population growth.
The issue of “Big Australia” refers to the government’s policy of encouraging high levels of immigration in order to drive economic growth, but it has proven to be a controversial topic in recent years. Critics argue that it creates strain on infrastructure and services, as well as driving up housing costs.
Chalmers has rejected Dutton’s assertions, stating that Labor would take a sensible approach to population policy, and that their focus on infrastructure investment would ensure that growth was sustainable.
The controversy around “Big Australia” is expected to continue to be a key issue in the lead up to the next federal election.