My question to Jim Chalmers wasn’t ‘hard hitting’. Here’s why I asked it
Victoria Devine explains her decision to attend the 2026 federal budget lock-up as a financial literacy advocate and content creator. She clarifies that her question to Treasurer Jim Chalmers was not intended to be confrontational but aimed at understanding policy impacts. Devine defends the inclusion of new media in such events, emphasizing their role in reaching broader audiences.
- ▪Victoria Devine attended the 2026 federal budget lock-up as a money columnist and financial literacy advocate.
- ▪She was invited for the second consecutive year, reflecting ongoing inclusion of non-traditional media in government briefings.
- ▪Devine states her purpose was not to deliver hard-hitting journalism but to understand how budget policies affect everyday Australians.
- ▪She acknowledges criticism of the government's decision to invite influencers but argues for their value in spreading financial information.
- ▪The budget included major policy changes affecting home ownership, investing, disability insurance, and small businesses.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.