island sovereign state in Oceania
Key FactsRBA raises cash rate to 4.85 per cent
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: abc.net.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: abc.net.au
- The 0.25-percentage-point increase was the fifth rate rise in 2026; the cash rate was last this high in late 2008.
- Six board members backed the increase, while three voted to keep the target at 4.60 per cent.
- The RBA expects inflation to remain high for much of 2027 and not fall below 3 per cent until late that year.
- The unemployment rate is projected to average 5.1 per cent in the December 2028 quarter, compared with an August forecast of 4.8 per cent.
“We are not looking to tip the economy into recession if we can avoid it. But we do need to get inflation down, and we do have excess demand at the moment, so that is the key.”— Michele Bullock, governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, said this at a press conference in response to a question about whether further rate rises could push the Australian economy into recession.
Anthony Albanese has made a big call about government spending in the wake of the RBA’s decision to lift interest rates to an 18-year high.
FULL STORY: news.com.au
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock says the RBA is not looking to tip the economy into recession if it can be avoided ... Show more
In Australia, mortgage interest rates climbed sharply in 1989, peaking around 17%.
At the time, the ABC interviewed ordinary Aussie households that were ... Show more
Albanese distances Labor from RBA, calls rate hikes a ‘blunt instrument’: The under-pressure prime minister spoke candidly about the treacherous domestic and ...
smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-distances-labor-from-rba-calls-rate-hikes-a-blunt-instrument-20261031-p619zg.html
Election race
Illustrator: Matt Golding
Read today's letters to the editor here: Topic | Letters | The Age
Australia’s headline inflation rate has accelerated to 4.3%, sharpening expectations of another interest rate rise next week ... Show more
The brutal redistribution at the heart of the RBA's interest rate policy: RBA officials argue the hit to borrowers' income isn't the main way rate ...
abc.net.au/news/2026-11-02/brutal-redistribution-rba-interest-rate-policy/107333262
Inflation surges more than expected ahead of RBA meeting: Australia's inflation rate picked up more than expected in September, increasing expectations of ...
abc.net.au/news/2026-10-28/inflation-september-cpi-ahead-of-november-interest-rate-call/107317382
Will AI crush the things that make life meaningful?: In a rush to force AI on us, policymakers are embracing a technology that is exceptionally good at ...
abc.net.au/news/2026-10-28/economic-lifeline-or-dark-force-artificial-intelligence/107292218
Jim Chalmers is blaming Australia’s accelerating inflation on Trump – but voters aren’t buying it
theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/28/jim-chalmers-is-blaming-australias-accelerating-inflation-on-trump-but-voters-arent-buying-it
Number that could put Aussies to the sword: Australian households are being warned of back-to-back interest rate hikes as the RBA waits on a crucial inflation ...
news.com.au/finance/economy/interest-rates/australian-households-face-melbourne-cup-day-interest-rate-hike-amid-persistent-inflation-threat/news-story/fda5e986f2e00a063d5191f178c6cc3b
RBA deputy warns inflation outlook 'materially worse' as next decision looms
abc.net.au/news/2026-10-21/reserve-bank-hauser-warns-inflation-outlook-materially-worse/107288574
RBA’s worst nightmare as oil pushes up inflation threat: The Reserve Bank has pushed interest rates to 4.6 per cent. They may have to go higher ...
smh.com.au/politics/federal/rba-s-worst-nightmare-as-oil-pushes-up-inflation-threat-20261018-p6167b.html
Overseas, Albanese sees ‘the very definition of climate injustice’ – but at home, he still wants coal
theguardian.com/environment/2026/oct/08/overseas-albanese-sees-the-very-definition-of-climate-injustice-but-at-home-he-still-wants-coal
LIVE: RBA hikes rates to 15-year high: The RBA has handed down a widely expected decision that will cause pain for millions of Aussies.
nine.com.au/australia-news/interest-rates-decision-rba-september-meeting-20260929-p6114p.html
Key FactsRBA lifts cash rate to nearly 15-year high
Sep 29, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nine.com.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nine.com.au
- The RBA unanimously raised the official cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.60 per cent.
- The target now stands at its highest level in almost 15 years.
- The central bank said it would consider further increases if needed, guided by data and evolving risks.
- Macquarie Bank announced two minutes later that it was first to adjust variable rates from October 15.
Australian workers didn’t choose this war, but they are paying a hefty price for it.— Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia, in a statement reacting to the RBA rate hike and the economic impact of the war
RBA denies staff a pay rise that keeps up with inflation just hours after interest rate rise
theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/01/rba-denies-staff-a-pay-rise-that-keeps-up-with-inflation-just-hours-after-interest-rate-rise
Australia news live: Bullock says interest rates will be hiked again ‘if that’s what’s needed’; Mehreen Faruqi confirms she will contest Greens leadership
theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/sep/29/treasurer-jim-chalmers-reserve-bank-cash-rate-decision-coalition-one-nation-ntwnfb
RBA boss on leave after rate bombshell: Reserve Bank governor Michelle Bullock is enjoying a holiday after hiking interest rates to a 15-year high and warning ...
news.com.au/finance/economy/interest-rates/rba-governor-michelle-bullock-on-leave-after-rate-hike-equity-warning-for-5-per-cent-deposit-scheme/news-story/a9feb03ba3c7ef9c7dc6a52389c56e3d
Near-record tax take, rising rates: Chalmers blames war as RBA hike looms: The treasurer says petrol prices are fuelling inflation as a near-record tax haul adds ...
theage.com.au/politics/federal/near-record-tax-take-rising-rates-chalmers-blames-war-as-rba-hike-looms-20260928-p6113e.html
One RBA decision can affect home ownership for more than a decade, research finds
realestate.com.au/news/one-rba-decision-can-affect-home-ownership-for-more-than-a-decade-research-finds/
Marshall Islands, Tuvalu voice support for Taiwan at U.N. assembly - Focus Taiwan
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202609260013
Rates nightmare: Experts tip double RBA hike before Christmas: A bombshell report reveals nearly half of the nation’s leading economists warn a brutal double ...
realestate.com.au/news/rates-nightmare-experts-tip-double-rba-hike-before-christmas/
CBA, ANZ suddenly change rate calls: Economists at the all of the big four banks now expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to raise interest rates at its ...
news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/not-true-extreasurer-drops-rba-bombshell-after-inflation-admission-goes-viral/news-story/dda6a4dc878baa03e56221a8cd4bc744
Rates set to rise as RBA governor says 'heat' needs to be taken out of job market
abc.net.au/news/2026-09-22/rba-governor-michele-bullock-interest-rate-increase-predictions/107181326
RBA warning as 76pc market surge flags fifth rate hike: Aussies are being warned to brace for a brutal change in just 14 days’ time as a hidden tax trap ...
realestate.com.au/news/rba-warning-as-76pc-market-surge-flags-fifth-rate-hike/
vietnamnews.vn Sep 13
Khmer pagodas showcase cultural heritage of An Giang’s Bảy Núi region: The Khmer pagodas scattered across the Bảy Núi region in An Giang Province are more than ...
vietnamnews.vn/sunday/features/1799390/khmer-pagodas-showcase-cultural-heritage-of-an-giang-s-bay-nui-region.html
Fourth rate hike bombshell: Major banks warn ‘possibly’ in weeks: All four of Australia’s biggest banks are now warning of nationwide panic in just days ...
realestate.com.au/news/fourth-rate-hike-bombshell-major-banks-warn-possibly-in-weeks/
Australia’s falling house prices are actually a good thing for mortgage holders. Here’s why
theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/11/australias-falling-house-prices-are-actually-a-good-thing-for-mortgage-holders-heres-why
LIVE updates: RBA keeps cash rate on hold at 4.35 per cent: The central bank has handed down its long-awaited decision with a move that has surprised no one.
nine.com.au/australia-news/rba-interest-rates-live-updates-property-market-latest-headlines-august-decision-20260811-p60n5d.html
The RBA says rate rises don’t really increase living costs. But the data is clear – they very much do | Greg Jericho
theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/aug/06/the-rba-says-rate-rises-dont-really-increase-living-costs-but-the-data-is-clear-they-very-much-do
Tarona Taafaki: Boxer lands Tuvalu's first Commonwealth Games medal without winning a fight
news.sky.com/story/tarona-taafaki-boxer-lands-tuvalus-first-commonwealth-games-medal-without-winning-a-fight-13569045
RBA governor issues unusually candid warning to every household: Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock has warned households of a potential ...
nine.com.au/australia-news/michele-bullock-interest-rates-warning-speech-20260728-p60ja6.html
Live Updates: Surprising inflation data weakens case for rate hike: Australian inflation cooled off in the 12 months to June, slowing from 4.0 to 3.8 per cent ...
nine.com.au/australia-news/inflation-rate-australia-consumer-price-index-live-updates-latest-news-headlines-20260729-p60jju.html
Key FactsInflation Dip Challenges Australia’s Interest Rate Path
Jul 29, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: news.com.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: news.com.au
- Headline inflation dropped to 3.8% in the year to June, slightly below May’s figure but still above the Reserve Bank’s target.
- The Reserve Bank’s preferred trimmed mean inflation rate stayed steady at 3.6%, signaling persistent price pressures.
- Economists view the data as a key turning point, yet the uncertain economy may still force the RBA to increase rates next month.
- Housing and electricity costs led inflation rises, with electricity prices up 22.4% due to the end of government rebates.
The board is prepared to act as required to achieve its mandate, including by increasing the cash rate further if needed.— Michele Bullock, RBA governor, in a speech at the Anika Foundation fundraising lunch.
Buckle up for the banks’ mortgage war! Home loans have fallen off a cliff: The evidence is overwhelming. Home loan applications haven’t just dropped - they have ...
smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/buckle-up-for-the-banks-mortgage-war-home-loans-have-fallen-off-a-cliff-20260730-p60k03.html
Don’t rule out another interest rate rise next month, top economist warns: Australia’s falling inflation data may have been enough for many economists to ...
nine.com.au/australia-news/rba-interest-rate-decision-august-dont-rule-out-another-rate-hike-20260730-p60k14.html
‘15pc drop’: NAB’s staggering home loan news: National Australia Bank has revealed a huge plunge in the number of home loan applications at the same time as the ...
news.com.au/finance/business/banking/nab-reveals-huge-plunge-in-mortgages-as-central-bank-rejects-property-rescue/news-story/26daef01d8802ea5b1a02d37910f7986
The RBA faces a dilemma, but more rate hikes aren’t the solution: Markets think another rate rise this year is close to a sure thing. But given the economy’s ...
smh.com.au/business/the-economy/the-rba-faces-a-dilemma-but-more-rate-hikes-aren-t-the-solution-20260724-p60iam.html
Staggering amount of Aussies may be forced to sell homes if RBA hikes rates next month
nine.com.au/australia-news/interest-rates-rba-australia-may-be-forced-to-sell-homes-20260726-p60in5.html
‘ONE LEVER’: Why Reserve Bank ‘wants people to lose their jobs’: The Reserve Bank “wants people to become unemployed” to keep a lid on inflation even though ...
news.com.au/finance/economy/interest-rates/rba-wants-people-to-become-unemployed-as-rate-hike-chances-rise/news-story/b14bd28b1c458fd6cf8864243fbcbde5
Major banks have already started scaling back sign-up deals on their credit cards, ahead of the RBA’s card payment reforms on October 1. #9News
Popular points hack Australians will need to re-think this year: Surcharges on debit and credit payments will be scrapped on October 1 following a decision by ...
nine.com.au/australia-news/popular-points-hack-australians-will-need-to-re-think-this-year-20260723-p60i09.html
RBA now twice as likely to hike interest rates as US-Iran war drives fuel prices higher
theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/22/rba-interest-rate-rise-likely-us-iran-war-markets-forecast
Shock spike as risk of RBA August rate hike rises: A shock spike has wiped out a guaranteed call from the Reserve Bank in weeks’ time - with a big bank already ...
realestate.com.au/news/shock-spike-as-risk-of-rba-august-rate-hike-rises/
Economists issue warning as unemployment rate holds steady: This was in line with economists’ forecasts, although far more people found work than initially ...
nine.com.au/australia-news/australia-unemployment-rate-june-abs-20260723-p60hux.html
Buildings encroaching on Phuket's Hat Nui beach being demolished: PHUKET - About 400 local officials descended on Hat Nui beach in tambon Karon of Muang ...
bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3288857/buildings-encroaching-on-phukets-hat-nui-beach-being-demolished
Fourth Australian interest rate rise more likely if Trump’s Iran conflict not resolved within a week
theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/14/australia-interest-rate-rise-trump-iran-war
One Nation’s radical plan to lower inflation: Admitting the party had not yet become credible on economics, Barnaby Joyce said One Nation would review the ...
smh.com.au/politics/federal/one-nation-s-radical-plan-to-lower-inflation-20260711-p60ei8.html
Joyce’s crazy plan for the Reserve Bank would only make things worse: By saying the RBA should tell the government what it should be doing, the One Nation ...
smh.com.au/politics/federal/joyce-s-crazy-plan-for-the-reserve-bank-would-only-make-things-worse-20260712-p60elp.html
‘Mother of all corrections’: Housing warning: Australia is facing the “mother of all house price corrections” with double-digit falls looming in the two biggest ...
news.com.au/finance/real-estate/australia-facing-mother-of-all-house-price-corrections-top-economist-warns/news-story/2422d905e8a9c923467d4268b86e3545
‘Unavoidable’: RBA’s devastating rates update: The RBA says Aussies may have to suffer through higher unemployment if it is to bring down rates.
news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/grim-forecast-warns-australians-face-years-of-falling-wages-and-longer-hours/news-story/3708b637f6f923e6beeb5c89fb65a22b
Inspira Global completes acquisition of Restaurant Brands Asia for Rs 2,235 crore
financialexpress.com/business/news-inspira-global-completes-acquisition-of-restaurant-brands-asia-for-rs-2235-crore-4285915/
#OPINION | The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, landed in waters near Tuvalu.
🔗 China’s missile test looks routine. The real story is the panic it triggered
Chinese nuclear-capable missile appears to land close to Nauru, Tuvalu : The head of Taiwan's national security council says China is "again" ...
abc.net.au/news/2026-07-07/china-missile-nuclear-pacific-naura-tuvalu/106887324
Interest rate cut all but ruled out until 2027: The Reserve Bank of Australia won’t reduce the cash rate before next year, economists say ...
nine.com.au/australia-news/rba-interest-rate-cut-ruled-out-until-2027-rate-hike-possibility-20260706-p60cwn.html
Surcharge shake-up could clip the wings of frequent flyer points: We’re likely to see a flurry of changes to banks’ reward schemes in coming months ...
smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/surcharge-shake-up-could-clip-the-wings-of-frequent-flyer-points-20260703-p60cap.html
PM defends tax package after RBA ex-governor's rebuke: Philip Lowe called the tax changes and cuts a recipe for failure.
nine.com.au/australia-news/philip-lowe-ex-rba-governer-attacks-government-budget-20260626-p60a9m.html
Tuvalu in the South Pacific lies in many places no more than two meters above sea level. And that is rising – | twice as fast in this region as the global ... Show more
Inflation unexpectedly slows to lowest level in months: Inflation has risen by 4 per cent in the 12 months to May due to housing and transport.
nine.com.au/australia-news/inflation-cpi-may-australia-abs-rba-20260624-p609la.html
RBA LIVE: Borrowers hold breath as decision looms: Australian mortgage holders are waiting with bated breath for the RBA’s next move.
nine.com.au/australia-news/rba-interest-rates-live-updates-june-decision-latest-news-headlines-20260616-p6079u.html
Islands threatened by climate change 'need to be compensated' by CO2 emitters: Tuvalu PM - The Mainichi
mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260611/p2a/00m/0sc/004000c
Taiwan, Pacific allies celebrate ties at cultural gala - Focus Taiwan: President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Friday highlighted Taiwan's cooperation with its Pacific ...
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202606050022
RBA boss says economy can weather war and avoid recession: Analysts have raised concerns the country could face a recession and stagflation due to the Iran war ...
smh.com.au/politics/federal/rba-boss-says-economy-can-weather-war-and-avoid-recession-20260604-p603sl.html
'One more rate hike': Major bank warns of economic tightrope: The impacts of the current economic climate will be damaging and far-reaching, an economist warns.
nine.com.au/australia-news/interest-rate-hike-economic-tightrope-australia-housing-market-20260604-p603w8.html
RBA thinks budget tax changes will lower inflation – but not in the way Labor wants
smh.com.au/politics/federal/rba-thinks-budget-tax-changes-will-lower-inflation-but-not-in-the-way-labor-wants-20260602-p60325.html
Bitter RBA blow for Australian households: Australian mortgage holders will be whacked twice in 2026, as an above-inflation lift to the minimum wage adds to the ...
news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/bumper-pay-rise-set-to-cost-households-two-rate-hikes/news-story/3a860d3f935b72d2334a1f8e97ded17e
Aussies forked out more than $4.1 billion on bank fees last financial year: They're costing us all more than $4.1 billion annually - but they don't ...
9news.com.au/national/bank-fees-cost-australians-4-billion-last-financial-year/e4cd7dbb-fe1e-48c0-b2be-d4849b1c1461
'One or two notches tighter': NAB's decision to hike fixed rates spells doom for borrowers
9news.com.au/national/nab-fixed-rate-increase-bank-hikes-fixed-rate-mortgages-after-may-rba-meeting/b993da99-8e04-46d1-a984-c0dda7406b00
u.afp.com May 29
Fund for climate-exposed Pacific nation invests in fossil fuels
today.rtl.lu/news/world/fund-for-climate-exposed-pacific-nation-invests-in-fossil-fuels-840283025
Taiwan welcomes Tuvalu foreign minister | Taiwan News | May. 29, 2026 14:13: Paulson Panapa speaks at Forum for Democratic Cooperation | May. 29, 2026 14:13
taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6372524
RBA data kills negative gearing debate: The average property investor in Australia is now over 50, and their age has steadily risen since the introduction of the ...
news.com.au/finance/culture/trends/property-investor-age-hits-record-high-as-cgt-negative-gearing-laws-change/news-story/a6776d91438e440a53bb73eb6d431bab
Aussies likely to get momentary interest rate reprieve after surprise inflation read
9news.com.au/finance/australia-inflation-consumer-price-index-april-2026/c0beb0c1-47a9-4624-b392-6c718427449c
Key FactsRBA Raises Rates Amid Inflation and Middle East Conflict
May 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: smh.com.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: smh.com.au
- The Reserve Bank of Australia increased interest rates for the third time this year to 4.35% as a measure against inflation driven by the Iran war.
- The Middle East conflict has triggered rising global oil prices, causing economic strain and higher fuel costs worldwide.
- Author Craig Silvey pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child exploitation material, affecting the availability of his published works.
- Four Australians are quarantined on a cruise ship off Cape Verde following an outbreak of the rare hantavirus, with three deaths reported.