Multiple outlets report that National Affairs Editor Andrew Probyn characterizes the federal government’s Budget 2026 as being “haunted by the ghost of Bill Shorten.” The reports frame the comment as a political assessment of Budget 2026 under Treasurer Jim Chalmers, described by Probyn as among the government’s most ambitious budgets. Across the Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times, and The Age, the central point is Probyn’s quoted analogy rather than new fiscal details, with each source presenting the same formulation of the remark. The coverage therefore focuses on a media interpretation of the budget’s positioning and perceived influences, referencing Shorten in particular and implying continuity or resonance with prior political themes associated with him. None of the provided summaries add further specifics about measures, costs, or policy changes in Budget 2026, and the reports do not attribute the comment to government representatives. The common element across all sources is Probyn’s description of the budget’s outlook and ambition.