‘This is the speech we’ve been waiting for’: Chalmers lights reform hopes

A new sense of optimism was palpable in Canberra after Jim Chalmers’ speech this week and it’s not just about tax reform.

It’s been a frustrating time for reform advocates but that could be about to change. Michaela Pollock

John KehoeEconomics editor

Jun 20, 2025 – 5.06pm

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Soon after Treasurer Jim Chalmers pivoted to claim he was putting tax reform at the centre of the Albanese government’s second-term agenda in a major speech this week, a Labor minister made a bold declaration.

“This is the speech we’ve been waiting for a treasurer to give for the past 15 years,” the minister privately divulged to AFR Weekend.

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John KehoeEconomics editorJohn Kehoe is economics editor at Parliament House, Canberra. He writes on economics, politics and business. John was Washington correspondent covering Donald Trump’s first election. He joined the Financial Review in 2008 from Treasury.