Economists dispute Chalmers’ downbeat growth tone

Leading economists have dismissed Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ downbeat assessment of the global economy, citing recent upgrades in growth and warning that it should not be used to justify inflation-boosting spending.

On Monday, Dr Chalmers signalled more cost-of-living support in next month’s budget if it was “affordable”, and rejected claims that Labor’s big-spending industry policy ambitions would stoke inflation in the near term.