Jim Chalmers makes ‘shock’ changes to Future Fund in the ‘shadow of an election’

Sky News host Steve Price has slammed Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ “shock decision” to change the priorities of Australia’s Future Fund. Mr Chalmers on Thursday made changes to the fund which would direct money into renewable energy, housing and infrastructure to strengthen Australia’s long-term economic resilience and address pressing national challenges. The move has drawn intense criticism with Peter Costello, the treasurer when the Future Fund was established and its former chair, saying the fund was “never set up to be a political slush fund”. Mr Price said Mr Chalmers made these changes in the “shadow of an election” and the prospect of being the only first term government to lose an election since the 1930s. “Suddenly thinks he knows better than those investment experts,” he said.