The tragedy of Jim Chalmers: He had all the makings of the next Paul Keating. What he’s lacked is the courage to follow him: PVO

The article argues that Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has the education and personal background to lead major economic reform, but has not shown the willingness to question Labor’s established assumptions. It says his example could matter because improving opportunity for working families depends on a more productive economy, not only on protecting existing arrangements or expanding government support.

The piece compares Chalmers with former Labor treasurer Paul Keating, who helped float the Australian dollar, open up the financial system and reduce tariff barriers. It says Keating changed his thinking in response to responsibility, expert advice and economic realities, while Chalmers appears more influenced by the caution of his former chief of staff, Wayne Swan. The article also notes Chalmers’s lack of substantial private-sector experience, while arguing that this alone does not disqualify him from senior office.