# Australia news live: Chalmers defends record as RBA’s cash rate decision looms

https://mins.news/en/item/77679

- The Guardian, 2026-09-28 20:39 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/sep/29/treasurer-jim-chalmers-reserve-bank-cash-rate-decision-coalition-one-nation-ntwnfb

> Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended his economic record ahead of an expected fourth interest rate rise in 2026. The Reserve Bank is poised to lift the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.6%, potentially pushing typical mortgage rates to 6.5%. Chalmers said persistent inflation was worsened by overseas decisions and that the Iran war had imposed a heavy cost on Australian families.

## Related coverage

- [Australia raises benchmark rates to 15-year high as it fights sticky inflation](https://mins.news/en/item/78056) — CNBC, 2026-09-29