Forget the glitz - Labor’s budget bash is a low-key affair

Samantha HutchinsonNational reporter

Updated Oct 25, 2022 – 8.16pm, first published at 6.51pm

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The turnout for Labor’s first budget in nearly a decade was in stark contrast to the blue bloods and bosses of the Coalition years. Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned us to expect a “bread and butter” budget and the vibe in Parliament House on Tuesday was just as bland.

Forget Josh Frydenberg flanked by Sydney hotelier Justin Hemmes, mortgage boss James Symond and media scion Ryan Stokes, and a late arrival from society queen Ros Packer. Forget star appearances by bank bosses and funny man Dave Hughes.

Samantha Hutchinson is the AFR's National Reporter. Most recently, she was CBD columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Before that, she covered Victorian and NSW politics and business for The Australian, the AFR and BRW Magazine.