The recent loss of the Liberal Party in Farrer has opened a window for Treasurer Jim Chalmers to address the government's budget woes, particularly regarding broken promises on taxes. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson faced tough questions about the party's decision to preferencing One Nation over independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe during a pre-budget interview. While Wilson acknowledged that the decision was made, he argued that it would not have significantly changed the outcome. This situation highlights the internal conflict within the Liberals regarding their relationship with One Nation, where preferencing has become more about political pragmatism than ethics. Wilson's ambiguous stance on forming a minority government with One Nation MPs further complicates the party's identity as they struggle to define their position. Meanwhile, Chalmers attempts to navigate the fallout from the budget, which is perceived as a shift in policy focus from housing supply to broader issues, raising questions about the credibility of the government's commitments. Although the government is expected to face some backlash for these broken promises, it is believed that they are more politically savvy than previous administrations, potentially mitigating severe consequences.