Cost-of-living and fuel crisis
RBA third rate hike to 4.35%, underlying inflation rising. Fuel excise ended Aug 2 pushing petrol past $2.30/L. Household spending falling, GDP slowing. Supermarkets freezing prices, but cost pressures persist. Property slump spreading as fuel spikes hit household budgets. One Nation surges in polls amid backlash.
Sources (2)
Updated Aug 4, 2026