Inflation is rising, interest rates are going up – and Labor’s economic woes could be One Nation’s gain | Tom McIlroy
News Source
•Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:00:44 GMT
📰 What Happened
Columnist Tom McIlroy writes that bad economic news is hurting the Albanese government. Tuesday's interest rate rise and Wednesday's inflation figures added to the pain. He says Pauline Hanson's One Nation reflects voter anger better than anyone else. The Coalition is also struggling to gain from Labor's troubles. McIlroy says the times suit a protest party.
🔍 The Backstory
Inflation rose to 4% in the year to August. The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate to 4.6%, the highest in 15 years. Unemployment also climbed to a near five-year high. McIlroy notes that cost-of-living help is costly and may not lower inflation. He says Labor has few easy choices before the next election.
🎯 Why It Matters
Higher rates and prices affect every household budget. The story shows how that daily pain can change who voters choose to support.
Columnist Tom McIlroy writes that bad economic news is hurting the Albanese government. Tuesday's interest rate rise and Wednesday's inflation figures added to the pain. He says Pauline Hanson's One Nation reflects voter anger better than anyone else. The Coalition is also struggling to gain from Labor's troubles. McIlroy says the times suit a protest party.
Inflation rose to 4% in the year to August. The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate to 4.6%, the highest in 15 years. Unemployment also climbed to a near five-year high. McIlroy notes that cost-of-living help is costly and may not lower inflation. He says Labor has few easy choices before the next election.
Higher rates and prices affect every household budget. The story shows how that daily pain can change who voters choose to support.