ACOSS responded to today’s ABS data showing consumer prices rose by 0.2% in December 2025 (seasonally adjusted).
“Today’s inflation figures do not justify further interest rate increases that would threaten thousands of jobs and increase financial stress,” ACOSS Acting CEO Jacqui Philips said.
”The living standards of people on low and modest incomes have been decimated over the past few years due to inflation, higher unemployment, weak growth in incomes, and higher interest rates.
“Lifting interest rates next week would worsen the pain and pose a greater threat than temporary inflation fluctuations.
“Inflation has eased significantly since its peak and the impact of previous rate hikes continues to be felt right across the country.
“Higher interest rates lead to increased unemployment and are too great a price to pay. We remind the RBA that it has a dual mandate - to promote employment as well as curb inflation.
“Inflation should be tackled through direct support and targeted measures that address price rises at their source.”
ACOSS is calling for action to protect people doing it toughest, with a lift to JobSeeker and related payments to keep people out of poverty and investment in energy efficiency for households to cut bills.
Contact details:
Lauren Ferri 0422 581 506
