Liberal Senator Cash uses real quote from Treasurer Chalmers to criticize economic policy?

checkthis · automated fact-check · How we check · Reel by @senatormichaeliacash

The Reel accurately quotes Treasurer Jim Chalmers and displays a genuine ABC News headline to mount political criticism of his economic management. Jim Chalmers did state that government budgets are not driving inflation, as reported by ABC News on November 3, 2026. Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash uses his exact audio statement to argue that the Treasurer is avoiding responsibility for cost-of-living pressures. While economic experts point to global conflict and private sector demand as primary inflation drivers, the quotes and facts presented in the video are authentic.

3 claims checked
1 source
Checked 6 Nov 2026
Main source: Government will play 'helpful role' on inflation but not at fault, Jim Chalmers says - ABC News

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The Reel we checked

@senatormichaeliacash

Albanese and Chalmers are destroying our economy. Australian families are paying the price.

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What we checked

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that government budgets are not putting upward pressure on inflation, but the government can play a helpful role.“Our budgets are not what's putting upward pressure on inflation, but we can play a helpful role and that's what we intend to do.”Government will play 'helpful role' on inflation but not at fault, Jim Chalmers says - ABC News

ABC News reported an article titled 'Government will play 'helpful role' on inflation but not at fault, Jim Chalmers says' by Tom Crowley.“Our budgets are not what's putting upward pressure on inflation, but we can play a helpful role and that's what we intend to do.”Government will play 'helpful role' on inflation but not at fault, Jim Chalmers says - ABC News

Jim Chalmers holds the office of Treasurer of Australia.“Our budgets are not what's putting upward pressure on inflation, but we can play a helpful role and that's what we intend to do.”Government will play 'helpful role' on inflation but not at fault, Jim Chalmers says - ABC News

What we couldn't check

We couldn't find the full original video, so we can't say what was said just before or after this clip.

What the Reel doesn't tell you

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Treasury Secretary Jenny Wilkinson stated that government budgets are not the main driver of inflation, pointing instead to global factors such as the war in the Middle East and private investment (ABC News).
Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock noted that persistent inflation was primarily driven by private sector activity, weak productivity, and global pressures (ABC News).
Opposition politicians argued that high government spending fuels inflation and forces interest rate hikes (ABC News, Liberal Party of Australia).

Short version

✅ TRUE 👉 Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash accurately quoted Treasurer Jim Chalmers and displayed a genuine headline to criticize his economic management. 👉 ABC News reported Chalmers stating budgets do not drive inflation on November 3, 2026, and experts note global conflicts and private demand drive inflation. 📰 Source: ABC 🔎 Full check: send this Reel to @checkthis.chat