Treasurer Jim Chalmers will face off with his Coalition counterpart Angus Taylor in the The Treasurers’ Debate on Wednesday, as challenging economic conditions continue to dominate the 2025 Federal Election.
Join Skynews.com.au to watch the debate live from 7.30pm AEST.
Fresh from handing down his fourth federal budget, Mr Chalmers will attempt to talk up the Albanese government’s economic record and cost of living relief.
Meanwhile, Mr Taylor will seek to attack his rival for failing to raise living standards and accuse the Treasurer for overseeing a blowout in the national debt.
Soaring cost of living pressures are front of mind for many voters heading into the election, with both Labor and the Coalition claiming they are better placed to ease the pain for households.
Mr Chalmers announced a $5 tax cut for every Australian as part of the government’s effort to sway voters on the issue during the last budget, a move which was quickly rubbished by the opposition.
Meanwhile, Labor has hit out at the Coalition’s pledge to halve the fuel excise, branding it ineffective.
According to Sky News’ Business Editor Ross Greenwood, Wednesday’s debate will be the “best chance” for voters to make up their own mind.
“The Federal Election is a contest about who can best manage Australia’s $2.3 trillion economy,” he said.
“From the cost-of-living and energy prices, from migration to home affordability, from personal taxes to employment, the Treasurers of our major political parties must not only have the right strategies, but they must also be able to effectively communicate those policies to households and business.
“This debate is your best chance to assess those policies and the skills of Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor.”
The Treasurers’ Debate comes one day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton squared off at the Sky News People’s Forum.
Both leaders vied to convince 100 undecided voters they were the better pick to take Australia forward, with Mr Albanese ultimately declared the winner.
A total of 44 voters backed the Prime Minister following the debate, with 35 picking Mr Dutton and 21 remaining undecided.
The Treasurers’ Debate will be available to watch on Sky News and the Sky News Election Channel on Foxtel, free-to-air channel Sky News Regional, FAST channel Sky News Now, SkyNews.com.au, the Sky News Australia app, and as an audio stream on Sky News Radio available on DAB+ digital radio in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
