More pain coming as RBA hikes interest rates again
Interest rates won’t affect the global oil price shock brought about by the illegal US war on Iran – so why did the Reserve Bank hike them again?
On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the rationale for the Reserve Bank’s third interest rate hike for 2026 and how changing the way trusts are taxed could reduce inequality.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Visit The Point for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.
Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek
Show notes:
In this budget, all eyes are on CGT. But Labor’s rumoured family trust tweaks might also help fight tax inequality by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (May 2026)
RBA’s decision to raise rates hurts Australians for no reason by Greg Jericho, The Point (May 2026)
Monetary Policy Decision – May 2026, Reserve Bank of Australia
A tragic birth, and death, in a tent – and still our poorest must pay by Amy Remeikis, The Point (May 2026)
Profit-Price Inflation: Theory, International Evidence, and Policy Implications, the Australia Institute (September 2023)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Dollars & Sense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
Double pain for Australians as interest rate and oil price hikes bite
Australians are already paying a price for the illegal US-Israel war on Iran, so why did the Reserve Bank double down and raise rates again?
Lowest inflation since Covid, but will the RBA act?
Inflation is at its lowest level since March 2021, and below the RBA’s target in five capital cities. If there isn’t a rate cut coming soon, Greg will be absolutely flummoxed.
Reddit to the rescue: watchdog sues Microsoft after AI price-hike complaints
Plenty of big tech companies are losing money on their artificial intelligence investments, begging the question: do people actually want the products?