Inflation beats employment by the length of the straight (sigh)

On our 100th episode of Dollars & Sense, we discuss why the Reserve Bank always seems to prioritise inflation over employment in its interest rate discussions.


Greg and Elinor discuss the Reserve Bank’s predictable rates decision, Microsoft’s decision to refund some customers after pressure from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, and whether Australia’s tobacco excise has become self-defeating.


Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future (https://australiainstitute.org.au/sto...) by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.


This discussion was recorded on Thursday 6 November 2025.


Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut (https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.b...)


Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek (https://bsky.app/profile/elinorjohnst...)


Show notes:


The RBA predicts inflation will rise faster than wages. Let’s hope it’s wrong (https://www.theguardian.com/business/...) by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (November 2025)


Explainer: Illegal smoking police raids are being done to raise tax (https://live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/...) by Greg Jericho, The Point Live (November 2025)


Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions


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