How power play works for Albo

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 15, 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signaled a shift toward centralized control in his government during a speech at a major business event in Canberra, singling out Treasury Minister Jim Chalmers and emphasizing personal relationships in power dynamics. The event also highlighted growing political maneuvering, with One Nation increasing its business community presence ahead of the Victorian state election and the Australian Taxation Office’s controversial decision to end credit card tax payments sparking concern among businesses.

At a high-profile business gathering in Canberra on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a forceful address that underscored his approach to power and decision-making within his government. The event, held in Parliament House's Great Hall, brought together around 300 attendees, including business leaders, politicians, diplomats, and senior public servants.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) chief executive Andrew McKellar publicly criticized the Australian Taxation Office’s recent decision to stop allowing businesses to pay tax bills using credit cards. McKellar described the move as sudden and lacking consultation, highlighting the uncertainty it created for many businesses managing cash flow. The ATO’s change, he said, posed challenges for companies that had relied on the option for payment flexibility.

Albanese’s address, however, diverged from his usual emphasis on collective cabinet decision-making and ministerial autonomy. Observers noted that the Prime Minister appeared to single out Treasury Minister Jim Chalmers, suggesting a shift from his customary support for his ministers. Several business leaders at the event interpreted Albanese’s remarks as a clear signal about maintaining relationships and managing power at the highest level.

The event also shed light on political dynamics beyond Labor’s ranks. The modest presence of Coalition members was led by Liberal deputy leader Jane Hume, who was notably seated at the table of Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party. Hanson’s group showed a stronger turnout than usual, with One Nation NSW Senator Sean Bell, MP for Farrer David Farley, and Hanson’s chief of staff Chris Taylor among the attendees. Taylor, a former senior staffer in Scott Morrison’s Prime Minister’s Office, and Farley, noted as one of the parliament’s wealthiest members, represented an attempt by One Nation to increase its appeal within the business community ahead of the Victorian state election.

Hanson delivered her first keynote speech to the business group and was warmly received, with some ACCI members seeking photos with her. Despite limited support among parliamentary colleagues, Hanson’s public profile was described by attendees as that of a celebrity figure.

Labor’s presence was also prominent, with Senator Murray Watt and ALP national secretary Paul Erickson — who recently relocated the party’s national headquarters closer to Parliament — both in attendance. McKellar highlighted Erickson’s presence as significant, reflecting Labor’s consolidation of its operational base in Canberra.

Other notable attendees included Allegra Spender, the 48th Parliament’s wealthiest member and a prominent independent with a background in tax policy, who engaged with Minister Tony Wilkinson following Albanese’s speech.

The evening left a clear impression on business leaders about the Prime Minister’s leadership style, particularly the importance he places on personal relationships and direct engagement in managing political and business interests.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.