Jim Chalmers’ budget won’t spook voters, but the nation’s finances remain on scarily unsustainable footing

As Katy Gallagher strode into the budget media briefing room alongside Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the finance minister was caught on microphone telling herself — or perhaps it was aimed at him — to “keep smiling”.

Through gritted teeth, this budget has arrived like a chore, delaying the…