CANBERRA, ACT, March 23 -- The Treasurer of Australia issued the following transcript:

Note

Subjects: 2025-26 federal Budget, energy bill rebates, cost of living, unemployment rate

CharlesCroucher:

Welcome to the pre‑budget meeting. Just to ask that question, any line dancing in your Queensland days?

JimChalmers:

No, no. Blissfully free.

Croucher:

You're a bit more hip‑hoppy, weren't you? We've done 4 of these pre‑budget interviews. I've asked this question every time, so I'm going to start with it this time. When do things get easier for Australians?

Chalmers:

Certainly in the economy things are getting better. But we know that doesn't always translate to how people are feeling and faring in the economy.

That's...