Story perspectives

New Shadow Treasurer Advocates Inflation Focus Amid Rate Hike

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tim Wilson, Australia’s new shadow treasurer, backs the Reserve Bank of Australia’s dual mandate but calls for stronger inflation focus after a rate hike; December inflation was 3.8%.
Critics including Treasurer Jim Chalmers and ACTU Secretary Sally McManus warn Wilson’s stance could raise unemployment.
Wilson says he will not remove employment objective from the mandate.
He argues the top marginal tax rate disincentivizes work and proposes reforms to boost activity.

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Story summary

Tim Wilson, Australia’s new shadow treasurer, backs the Reserve Bank of Australia’s dual mandate but calls for stronger inflation focus after a rate hike; December inflation was 3.8%.
Critics including Treasurer Jim Chalmers and ACTU Secretary Sally McManus warn Wilson’s stance could raise unemployment.
Wilson says he will not remove employment objective from the mandate.
He argues the top marginal tax rate disincentivizes work and proposes reforms to boost activity.