Jim Chalmers Says C'mon Let's Just Focus On The Melbourne Cup Today Hey

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON? YEAH NOT MUCH: Tens of thousands of punters are currently trackside in Flemington for the Race that Stops a Nation, with millions of others watching at home or on the big screens at other racecourses around the country.

Today is all about the Race That Stops The Nation. With the vast majority of us cheering on horses as they run as fast as they can, and a minority of us or protesting the people doing that.

Elsewhere, the cities are abuzz with workplace events, pub specials, and office sweepstakes - as well as lots of champagne and lager.

Outside of that, there's absolutely nothing going on, according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

Speaking to The Betoota Advocate from Brisbane's Farm race track, the Member For Rankin had ironed his favourite Billabong button-up and polished his prized white Oakleys before spending the arvo in general admission.

"You put any bets on?" asked Chalmers, as he shuffled a handful of scrunched up TAB slips.

"Obviously I have haha. But I'm not telling youse nothing"

When asked if there was anything else happening in the news cycle, that was non-Melbourne Cup related, that he might want to comment on - Chalmers shrugged.

"I mean... Tonga versus Samoa was pretty good hahaha. Got a lot of usos and tokos in my electorate so I was watching that one ahah"

With a Crown Lager planted in a Brisbane Broncos-themed stubbie cooler that he had brought from home, Chalmers couldn't think of anything else that might be happening.

"I mean yeah Albo's in the Caribbean with King Charles. you mighta seen that."

"Haha oi have you ever watched Cool Runnings? Fuck I love that movie. So good haha"

When The Betoota Advocate's journalists once again attempted to interrogate the Federal Treasurer about any possible news items that might be especially topical at this very moment, Chalmers appeared dumfounded.

"Are you talking about the cricketers in South Africa? Yeah bit of a disappointment, but what can ya do. It's a cruel game. Bit like politics haha. Anyway let's just focus on The Melbourne Cup today hey"

"Hopefully the boys come good in Capetown. Oi wait up I backed the red and pink here"