Labor ministers defend treasurer and call for an end to internal leaks

Labor ministers have called for colleagues to stop leaking against Treasurer Jim Chalmers as the government faces pressure over inflation, interest rates and unemployment. Their public defence follows reports citing unnamed sources about his standing inside the government.

Environment Minister Murray Watt said ministers and backbenchers should work together rather than undermine the treasurer. Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said Chalmers was safe in the role and pointed to tax-reform work and budget savings as evidence of his contribution.

Assistant Industry Minister Andrew Charlton also backed Chalmers and rejected suggestions that he was seeking to replace him. Those statements are expressions of support from colleagues, not an announcement of a leadership change or an independently established account of every private discussion.

The political dispute comes as the government prepares for its December mid-year budget update and looks for further savings. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged a government role in restraining domestic demand while also pointing to private-sector contributions.

The reports do not establish that Chalmers has been removed or that a replacement has been selected. The immediate development is the ministers' public push against anonymous criticism during a difficult economic period.