Treasurer Denies ‘Gang of Four’ Situation Within the Albanese Government

Reports had emerged that Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher are operating like ‘co-deputy prime ministers’ within the government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (C) speaks as he stands next to (L-R) Jim Chalmers, Penny Wong, Richard Marles, and Katy Gallagher during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on May 23, 2022. David Gray/Getty Images

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has denied Ministers are being sidelined in the government’s decision-making process.

This follows reports in the Sydney Morning Herald that Anthony Albanese is operating a “powerful inner circle” where Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher are essentially the “co-deputy prime ministers.”