Chalmers Warns Opposition Against Politicizing Productivity Roundtable

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has called on the Opposition to treat the upcoming Productivity Roundtable with seriousness rather than viewing it as “an extension of question time.” His comments ahead of the July 2025 forum reflect rising tensions over economic reform as Australia grapples with stagnant productivity growth.

Speaking to the ABC on 9 July 2025, Chalmers emphasised the need for constructive dialogue on improving productivity, which has grown only about 1.1 per cent annually since the 1990s, according to the Productivity Commission. He criticised Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien, saying that if his only proposal involves tax breaks for people with over $3 million in superannuation, it suggests the Coalition “has learned nothing” from its 3 May election defeat. No evidence supports the reference to a post by X user @strangerous10, and it appears unfounded.

The roundtable, scheduled for August and attended by business, union and academic leaders, seeks to address barriers to growth such as high taxes, regulatory red tape and workforce inefficiencies. Chalmers has also opened discussion on tax reform as part of that agenda, encouraging participants to raise bold ideas—as he confirmed at the National Press Club in June.

The Opposition, led by Mr O’Brien, has derided the government’s economic record, pointing to inflation still above the RBA’s 2–3 per cent target and a persistent budget deficit. On Sky News on 10 July, O’Brien argued Australia needs “real tax reform and less government overreach, not more Labor talkfests,” advocating deregulation and lower taxes instead of Labour’s focus on labour-market reforms and green energy subsidies.

Business groups have questioned whether the Productivity Roundtable can deliver concrete outcomes. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that without tangible policy changes, the initiative risks being “all talk, no action.” With looming global challenges, including U.S. tariffs, there is a shared concern that the process must stay focused on real reform, not become a partisan exercise.