Chalmers dismisses gas tax calls, warns of right-wing exploitation; concern over Saudi nuclear ambitions
Australia’s treasurer Jim Chalmers has ruled out a new tax on gas exports, saying the government has other priorities, while warning that right-wing parties will prey on voter insecurities over a weakening economy. Meanwhile, an anti-nuclear group has raised alarm over Saudi Arabia potentially using its uranium enrichment deal with the US to build nuclear weapons.
Jim Chalmers, Australia’s treasurer, has pushed back against calls from Labor Party members for a new tax on gas exports, stating that the government has “other priorities” for reform. He also claimed that right-wing political parties will “prey on” voter insecurities about a worsening economy while championing anti-worker policies.
The comments come as financial markets now expect another interest rate hike by the end of the year. Chalmers reiterated that the government’s focus is on other areas of reform rather than a gas export tax, which had been a key demand from rank-and-file Labor members.
Meanwhile, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) Australia has expressed alarm that Saudi Arabia could use its uranium enrichment deal with the United States to develop nuclear weapons. The group warned that such a development would pose a significant threat to regional security.
