Jim Chalmers has a “Ph.D. in love with Paul Keating”.

Sky News presenter Amanda Stoker says Treasurer Jim Chalmers has a “PhD in love with Paul Keating” as Australians continue to feel pressure on the cost of living.

Her comments came as inflation reached 7.8% in December, the highest level in 30 years.

“We must hope and pray that Treasurer Chalmers, the man with the PhD who is in love with Paul Keating, is also not planning to give us the recession that Keating gave us,” Ms Stoker said.

“Or the 18 percent interest rates that put so many hard-working families behind the wall.”