---
title: "Optimism and Realism – Two Defining Characteristics of Australians: Jim Chalmers"
description: Jim Chalmers says optimism and realism are two defining characteristics of our people and of the best of their governments.
---

[Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog)

# [Optimism and Realism – Two Defining Characteristics of Australians: Jim Chalmers](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/jimchalmersnewcapitalism)

 Written by [Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) | Jan 29, 2023 10:26:49 PM

"Optimism and realism – two defining characteristics of our people and of the best of their governments."

In his essay, "[Capitalism after the crises](https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2023/february/jim-chalmers/capitalism-after-crises#mtr)", Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers wrote:

"Renewal is one reason for optimism...

"My optimism doesn’t just come from the beginning of a new year, it comes from believing that, amid all the difficulties, 2023 will be the year we build a better capitalism, uniquely Australian – more confident and forward-thinking; more aligned with our values; based more on evidence and integrity; more capable of building resilience, not just building buffers.

"Optimism and realism – two defining characteristics of our people and of the best of their governments."

He attacked the Liberal-National Governments of the last decade, "Instead of genuine confidence from leaders, we got the kind of phoney, focus-grouped optimism that withers easily."

In a further article, "[There’s a powerful role for business in the new economy](https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/there-s-a-powerful-role-for-business-in-the-new-economy-20230130-p5cge1)", Jim wrote, "As treasurer, I spend a lot of time in the boardrooms of Australia with corporate leaders and investors who share my optimism about the future of our economy and our country – even as we confront together what many expect to be a challenging year around the world. Like them, I believe business has an indispensable role to play in strengthening not just our economy but our society. And that we give ourselves a much better chance of prosperity and success if the private and public sectors work together, rather than at cross-purposes, to create national wealth and generate more opportunities for more people."

"Optimistic and confident in a better future."

Speaking in the Second Reading of the Budget 2023, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said:

"The Australian people have demonstrated the best of our national character.

"Resolute and resilient in hard times.

"Practical and pragmatic about the challenges we confront.

"Optimistic and confident in a better future.

"And ready to work together to build it."

[View full post](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/jimchalmersnewcapitalism)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Victor Perton"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-01-31T19:16:20.381Z",
  "datePublished" : "2023-01-29T22:26:49Z",
  "headline" : "Optimism and Realism – Two Defining Characteristics of Australians: Jim Chalmers",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 2447,
    "url" : "https://21889975.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21889975/Jim%20Chalmers.png",
    "width" : 2303
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/jimchalmersnewcapitalism",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Centre for Optimism"
  }
}
```