Grattan on Friday: Chalmers is trying to make economic uncertainty a springboard for reform

When he talks about the May 12 budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers always stresses that what s done on things like the capital gains tax discount will be a matter for cabinet. It would be more accurate to say the fate of controversial proposals will depend on where Anthony Albanese is willing to land. Budget preparation, on which cabinet s expenditure review committee is working, has been transformed by the ever worsening Middle East war. The fuel shortages, particularly of diesel, will drag at the