Treasurer Jim Chalmers has dismissed suggestions the Prime Minister will call an early election after he decided not to attend next week’s NATO summit.
The Canberra rumour mill has gone into overdrive after Anthony Albanese announced he was sending Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in his place to the summit in Washington.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has warned Coalition MPs that the Prime Minister’s decision is a sign he aims to stay firmly concentrated on domestic issues as he prepares to call an election this year.
But Chalmers dismissed suggestions of an early poll, telling Today this morning it would be held next year.
“I’m working towards an election next year, my understanding, my intention is that we go on the usual time frame,” he said.
“That’s certainly how I’m operating.”
The next federal election has to be called by next May 2025 but some commentators believe it could be held next March or even late this year.
Albanese was expected to join the leaders of key Asia Pacific powers Japan, South Korea and New Zealand at the summit to mark 75 years since the western military alliance was founded.
While Australia is not a member of NATO, it does have partner status.
The summit is expected to address international situations including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ongoing tensions between the West and China, and the Israel-Hamas war devastating Gaza.
Chalmers defended the Prime Minister’s non-attendance and said he had to balance his commitments.
“We’re sending the Deputy Prime Minister and the Defence Minister to a defence conference, and so I think that’s, more than appropriate.”
