Inflation Eases But Costs Still Biting for Struggling Aussies

Inflation fell to 5.4% annually in September, down from over 7% last year, but some are still urging the RBA to raise rates to show it is "tough" on inflation.

Much of the inflation recently is driven by factors the RBA can't control, like high petrol prices. Rate rises wouldn't affect these.

Inflation is being driven by non-discretionary items like petrol, rents, electricity - not discretionary spending.

High prices for essentials reduces people's ability to spend on non-essentials, slowing growth like rate rises would.

Another rate rise would just hurt low-to-middle income people already struggling with high costs of living.