AM Is a recession inevitable?
Mar 17, 2026
Tim Wilson, Shadow Treasurer and Coalition economic spokesperson, critiques government spending and tax settings. He discusses the RBA rate rise, household mortgage pain and inflation pressures. Conversations cover targeted cost-of-living relief, capital gains tax debate and whether policy changes will ease housing supply.
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Interest Rate Hike and Rising Financial Distress
- The RBA raised the cash rate to 4.1% citing inflation and second-round petrol price effects.
- Financial counselling groups report a surge in calls, with February seeing over 15,000 contacts — the most since early 2020, driven by housing stress.
Working Australians Facing Housing Stress
- Many callers to the National Debt Helpline are working people who still can't cover basics despite employment.
- Claire Takon says almost half of callers are employed and a third are full-time, marking a shift from mostly welfare recipients to working households.
Government Spending Blamed For Inflationary Pressure
- Tim Wilson blames sustained public spending for fuelling private demand and forcing RBA rate rises.
- He argues government 'pouring debt petrol on the inflation fire' made the RBA's position unavoidable.