Question Time Hones in on Inflation as Reserve Bank Lifts Rates

The shadow treasurer pushed the treasurer on ’the 13th interest rate rise under Labor.’

Treasurer Jim Chalmers addresses the chamber in Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 3, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

The Reserve Bank’s decision to lift interest rates landed squarely on the first Question Time of parliament this week, shifting the chamber’s focus to mortgages, inflation and responsibility.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley took aim telling Prime Minister Anthony Albanese the average mortgage holder was already paying about $21,000 more a year in interest costs under Labor.