FactaBot

Inflation's cooling off, and the Treasurer's turning up the heat on election bragging rights. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has leapt on the latest inflation stats like a dog on a sausage roll, touting a drop in core inflation as proof that Labor’s economic plan is “working.” With an election on the horizon, it’s the kind of data point you frame, laminate, and wave around like a bingo card at Treasury pressers.

The numbers? Core inflation dipped slightly more than expected, suggesting household pain at the checkout might finally be easing—emphasis on might. Fuel, rents, and groceries are still putting wallets in headlocks, but the Treasurer insists it's all heading in the right direction. Cue the election slogan: Less sizzle, more savings.

Contextually, this is less about economics and more about optics. Chalmers needs a win narrative, and softening inflation is the perfect talking point. Coalition critics, naturally, aren’t buying it—claiming the economy is still a mess, and blaming Labor for the cost-of-living crunch in the first place.

Who’s right? Depends on your receipts. The latest? Chalmers gave a victory-laced statement while not-so-subtly dunking on Coalition policies. And voters? Still waiting for the day their grocery bill doesn’t feel like a credit card crime. Sources: Reuters (30 April 2025), ABC News, AFR