The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to hold the official cash rate at 4.35% as the economy slows and unemployment rises. This widely expected decision offers little relief to mortgage holders, who are already strained by three consecutive rate hikes earlier this year.
RBA Statement and Government Reaction
In a statement accompanying the decision, the RBA board noted that higher fuel prices have begun pushing up the prices of some goods and services, confirming its earlier predictions. Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the decision, stating, "We're pleased with developments but realistic about how long it will take for the global economy to normalise."
Top News Highlights
- Two arrested during investigation into Dezi Freeman's movements; police reveal killer likely travelled to NSW.
- Grill'd burger chain sued by ACCC over alleged greenwashing.
- Sydney records warmest run of June days in more than a century.
- Most Australians under 25 have never used newspapers or radio as a news source, survey finds.
- Birthkeeper hired by woman who died after freebirth tells inquest she was 'not there to make a birth safer'.
- Paedophile teacher William 'Rob' Gilfillan sentenced for sexual offences against two Victorian schoolgirls in the 1980s.
World Cup 2026 Updates
Belgium and Egypt battled to a 1-1 draw, as did Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Iran came from behind twice to claim a 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Upcoming matches include France vs Senegal and Iraq vs Norway. FIFA's disciplinary committee cleared World Cup VAR Shaun Evans after he was accused of making a hand gesture associated with white supremacists.
Climate and Weather
Sydney recorded its 10th consecutive day above 20°C in June, breaking a record from 1919. Climate scientist Prof Andy Pitman noted, "Something is changing."
Podcast: Remembering Jo Cox
A decade after British MP Jo Cox was killed by a far-right extremist, her sister Kim Leadbeater, who now holds her parliamentary seat, discusses lessons still to be learned in a podcast episode.
Dutch Children's Happiness
Dutch children are unusually happy and healthy, partly due to the tradition of Avondvierdaagse, a four-day evening walking festival that encourages exploration, exercise, and friendship.
Daily Word Game
Today's starter word is INTO. Players have five tries to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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