TED O’BRIEN MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
SHADOW TREASURER
MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX
MEDIA STATEMENT
The Albanese Government has been caught out in a $2.3 billion bungle that Treasury itself admits may have breached the Constitution.
As reported in The Australian Financial Review, Treasury’s 2024-25 Annual Report revealed eight payments totalling $2.28 billion were made under Labor’s Energy Bill Relief Fund without the Treasurer’s written authorisation, as required under section 83 of the Constitution.
This is not an administrative error, it’s a serious lapse in ministerial oversight and a breach of the fundamental principles of public finance. The Constitution is crystal clear-no public money can be spent without lawful authorisation.
Labor’s attempt to dismiss this as an “administrative error” shows complete disregard for the standards expected of any government. If a private company spent billions without the CEO’s approval, there would be immediate consequences.
In Canberra, Labor simply calls it a technicality.
Treasurer Chalmers must explain how $2.3 billion left Treasury without his written approval, how long this breach was known before disclosure, and whether any other payments were made without proper authorisation.
Australians deserve confidence that every dollar of public money is managed lawfully and responsibly.
ENDS