Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended comments he made about Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, insisting he does not have a problem with wealthy Australians but believes Taylor is disconnected from the housing challenges facing many people.
The debate follows remarks Chalmers made during a speech on Thursday in which he said Taylor was born “at the top of the ladder”.
Speaking on ABC’s 7.30 program, host Sarah Ferguson asked Chalmers whether he had “a problem with wealthy Australians”.
“Not at all,” Chalmers replied.
“I want more people to succeed in our economy and in our society.”
Chalmers said his criticism was linked to housing affordability and economic opportunity rather than personal wealth.
“Angus Taylor talks about a ladder and the point that I’ve made about the ladder is it’s not much point in having a ladder if the first few rungs are missing,” he said.
“Angus Taylor was born at the top of the ladder, good on him, but I think that that means he doesn’t understand that a lot of people are struggling.”
When questioned about whether inheriting wealth should attract criticism, particularly given prominent wealthy figures have also existed within Labor ranks, Chalmers reiterated that his argument was about differing life experiences.
“The point that I’m making about Angus Taylor is that not everybody is born already at the top of the ladder,” he said.
“Not everybody has had the same experiences that Angus Taylor has had.”
Chalmers said the government’s responsibility was to improve economic opportunities and help Australians facing cost-of-living pressures and housing affordability challenges.
“Our responsibility, which we embrace enthusiastically, is to make it easier for more people to do well,” he said.
He pointed to higher wages, cost-of-living assistance, tax cuts and policies aimed at helping Australians enter the housing market, particularly younger people.