This week on Q+A, a one-on-one special with Treasurer Jim Chalmers. He’s just handed down his first Budget – and now he’s ready to answer your questions. So who is the man who holds our economic future in his hands? What is his long-term vision for Australia? And how much appetite does he have to make the changes that will help those who need it most?
 
Last time Australia faced a global financial crisis, Jim Chalmers was firmly behind the scenes, advising the then treasurer on how to manage the fallout. This time around, he’s in charge of the nation’s finances. What did he learn from that time? And can those lessons help the nation avoid a recession now?
 
There are many challenges ahead: rolling natural disasters, soaring inflation, a growing number of people facing poverty and more interest rate hikes. Globally there’s an economic downturn to contend with along with political instability among our closest allies and Russia’s war in Ukraine threatening Europe’s energy supply. How much is out of the Treasurer’s control and what can he do to help struggling Australians?
 
The Treasurer has walked a well-trodden path from university to political staffer to parliament – and now Cabinet – so how is he positioned to deliver what Australians really need to help them make ends meet? How will he reassure people who are fearful they might not be able to pay their bills?
 
This is an opportunity for you to put your questions directly to the Treasurer – to find out what drives him and how he plans to steer the nation through this volatile time.
 
Joining Stan Grant on the panel:
 
Jim Chalmers, Treasurer

Please submit a question via our website by 9am Thursday for the chance to ask the Jim. 

Scroll down to watch Thursday's toughest question asked by Qayyum Shah, who asked why asylum seekers are treated “unfairly” in Australia. 👇

Watch Q+A Thursday at 8.30pm on ABC TV, streamed live 8.30pm AEST on ABC iview or on our website.