Labor errors and Coalition weakness are costing nation dearly

We should get used to Treasurer Jim Chalmers declaring that the latest inflation rate of 3.8 per cent “is a lot lower than when we came to office” (“The Christmas grimace: CPI, rates tracking north”, 27/11).

He’s right, of course; but the rate at around 6 per cent in 2022 was a direct result of the Morrison government pump-priming the economy to save jobs and businesses during the Covid period, an action that was wholly supported by Labor in opposition.

In fact, had Labor had its way, the largesse and the subsequent inflationary impact would have been exponentially higher.

The chickens are coming home to roost for the Albanese government.

Its fiscal recklessness, in large part to service unproductive sectors of the econ­omy, is irresponsible and unsus­tain­able. Chalmers will continue to spin but there’s a sense that the punters are onto him in the way that they are onto Chris Bowen.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Forecasts can be hazardous at the best of times. By way of contrast, Jim Chalmers has consistently underestimated Australia’s out-of-control inflation, and today we have the dubious distinction of being one of the world leaders. Chalmers has become an offender, and business confidence is his victim.

Nick Palethorpe, Turramurra, NSW

Given a Coalition that a mere ­fortnight ago resembled a near-complete rabble, evidence that the federal government has failed to contain inflation will confirm the worst fears of Labor hardheads that Anthony Albanese et al have breached the old-time rule of never giving a sucker an even break.

Ordinary Australians now realise that chants of a Future Made in Australia, based on green energy, are mere slogans. Furthermore, they are increasingly aware that much of the accompanying economic activity, based upon ­absurd subsidies, is akin to a castle built on sand.

The Coalition simply cannot blow this opportunity of political redemption. Sussan Ley deserves considerable credit for staying measured and on track. Running the economy is not rocket science, but it does require a basic understanding of the broad forces of supply and demand, as well as the crucial role of energy.

A practical start by the ­Coalition would be a promise to remove the ban on the con­struction nuclear power plants and let the market decide if this source of clean energy is economically feasible.

Bob Miller, Leederville, WA

What is it with the once-great Liberal Party of Australia? Leaders were elected and were allowed to lead until after the next federal or state elections, after which, depending upon the results, they were either re-endorsed or they voluntarily stepped aside. Thanks to the right-wingers in the party today, no sooner is someone elected leader than they start chattering about challenges.

If they imagine for even a nanosecond that this will win them and the party any friends and supporters then they are deluded. To borrow that old and very successful Labor slogan: It’s Time! Time for the real Liberals – those on the right of centre – to take control and get rid of those who are trying to destroy what is left of one of the most successful political parties Australia has ever had.

Robert McCormick, Bridgewater, SA

A straight answer to Jim Chalmers is that the unwelcome creeping inflation is caused by his own colleagues (“Inflation spike’s painful consequences for borrowers”, 27/11). As John Spooner’s cartoon points out, solar and wind energy is not just “cheap”, it’s free.

Case Smit, Noosaville, Qld

Anthony Albanese, Jim Chalmers and Chris Bowen have all stood up in parliament this week to say everything is going splendidly. If they ever left the Neverland of Canberra perhaps they might see household budgets stretched to breaking point, businesses folding, crime rates rising, and the environment ruined in the name of net zero. That’s before we consider defence underspending, immigration out of control and a housing crisis. Then there is secretive meetings with Chinese leaders, a determination to restrict public knowledge through limits on FOI laws. What has this country become?

Robert Walker, Cessnock, NSW