RBA Survey Finds 1 in 4 Australians Understand Rates Lower Inflation as Price Pressures Top Concerns
Updated
Updated · Reserve Bank of Australia · Jul 22
RBA Survey Finds 1 in 4 Australians Understand Rates Lower Inflation as Price Pressures Top Concerns
3 articles · Updated · Reserve Bank of Australia · Jul 22
Summary
Inflation remained Australians’ top economic concern across the RBA’s first three survey waves, while the central bank found major gaps in how people understand monetary policy.
Only 25% correctly identified that higher interest rates lower inflation, showing widespread confusion about the main channel through which RBA decisions are meant to work.
Trust in the RBA has been stable since early 2025 and is broadly comparable with other Australian and international institutions, but it varies sharply with economic understanding and views of how the bank operates.
Higher trust was linked to lower inflation expectations, and most respondents said they want more information—reinforcing the RBA’s push for clearer, more targeted communication about its decisions and household impact.