Jim Chalmers claims jobs record, as Greens target Labor seats

Jim Chalmers has claimed the strongest first-year jobs numbers for a new government, as the Greens continue brawl over housing crisis and target Labor seats.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says new Treasury analysis reveals the Albanese government has had the strongest start of any new government for jobs growth in the nation’s history. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Jim Chalmers has claimed the strongest jobs numbers for a new government in the nation’s history and world-leading employment growth figures since last year’s May election, as the Albanese government continues its budget sell ahead of parliament returning on Monday.

The Treasurer said new Treasury analysis of employment data showed the government had had the strongest start for jobs growth in its first year in charge, with 333,000 more Australians employed between May and April this year.

Dr Chalmers said the analysis revealed that average full-time annual earnings were around $1000 higher compared to what they would have been if wage growth had remained stagnant.

Compared with other major advanced economies since the election, Australia’s employment growth of 2.5 per cent leads the US (2.4 per cent), Canada (1.9 per cent) and Italy (1.1 per cent).

“The Albanese government has overseen the most jobs created under a new government on record – in fact, more than four times the number the previous government managed in its first year in office,” Dr Chalmers said.

“We’re pleased wages are moving again, but we know we need to see inflation moderate to secure real wages growth and ease the cost-of-living pressures felt by many Australians.”

The legislative priorities for the government this fortnight will be dealing with budget-related legislation and allowing ample time for debate on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Constitution Alteration Bill.

With the Senate focused on estimates hearings, a final vote on the wording of the Constitution amendment is expected when both houses sit in mid-June.

While the government tries to promote the budget, the Greens have not budged in their opposition to Labor’s $10bn Housing Australia Future Fund.

Greens leader Adam Bandt – who is positioning the housing and rental crisis as the left-wing party’s top issue ahead of the next election – on Monday will unveil comedian Mandy Nolan as the party’s candidate in the Labor-held northern NSW seat of Richmond.

Greens leader Adam Bandt launches blitz of vulnerable Labor seats and ramps-up housing brawl. Picture: Martin Ollman

Mr Bandt, who wants the Greens to be the “party of renters”, said Richmond was “ground zero for both the climate crisis and the housing crisis”.