Economic aches leave Albanese and Chalmers nursing a frosty rapport

Labor MPs are questioning whether the relationship between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers has soured.

Behind closed doors, the strain of economic pain is making the bond between the two feel colder than a winter morning in the Blue Mountains.

The whispers have started to sound a lot like the hum of a fluorescent light that’s been flickering for weeks, as the Treasury’s usual camaraderie now feels like a tepid brew left out on a summer patio.

For now, the only thing certain is that the economic pain will keep its seat at the table, and Albanese and Chalmers will have to learn the art of polite conversation over a menu of austerity.