The economic roundtable is Jim Chalmers’ chance for bold reform. Australians can’t afford anything less | Tom McIlroy

The best way to undermine claims that the productivity roundtable is a stage-managed talkfest is to make it a success

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Jim Chalmers had a determined look about him this week, ahead of the government's much-hyped economic reform roundtable in Canberra.

The atmosphere in the treasurer's office was reminiscent of the days immediately before a federal budget, with frenetic activity and an air of sleep deprivation among the small army of advisers. Preparations for the three-day event have been exhaustive and Chalmers works at a pace few people in the ministerial wing can sustain.