Treasurer forecasts global pressures to ‘weigh heavily’ on the May budget

Treasurer Jim Chalmers forecasts multiple global pressures will “weigh heavily” on next month’s budget.  The Treasurer outlined five pressures on Australia’s economy while meeting other G20 finance ministers in Washington.   They include lingering national inflation, slowing growth and a transforming global economy.   Mr Chalmers said fiscal strategy is evolving in the face of both challenges and opportunities.  “Global factors will be a big part of the next few weeks as we put the finishing touches on the budget,” Mr Chalmers said.  Some political commentators are criticising the Treasurer’s comments.