EconomyJim Chalmers blames Australia’s accelerating inflation on Trump, but voters aren’t convinced
A 9.4% rise in fuel costs in September helped push Australian inflation from 4% to 4.3%. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has blamed worsening cost pressures on the Middle East conflict, but polling suggests more voters see government spending as the leading cause of the cost-of-living squeeze. The Reserve Bank is widely expected to raise rates next week, adding pressure on households and mortgage holders.

