Treasurer Says Labor Not ‘Artificially’ Lowering Inflation

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has responded to the latest inflation figures calling it “heartening.” Chalmers emphasised that the numbers show a drop in both headline and underlying inflation, a sign that the government’s cost-of-living measures are making a real impact. Inflation in August dropped to its lowest point in three years. According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, annual headline inflation fell to 2.7 percent last month, down from 3.5 percent in July. Chalmers countered the opposition’s claim that government policies have “artificially reduced inflation.” “There is nothing artificial about helping people with their power bills. We’re proud to be delivering support for every Australian household, especially when people are under pressure.”...