What's the point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?

Tue 4 Aug 2026 12.00 AEST

Economy

What's the point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains the purpose of the Reserve Bank of Australia and whether it’s fulfilling that role.

Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang

Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets.

Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

OFF THE CHARTS

Despite what the Business Council may say, businesses really like investing in Victoria

By Greg Jericho

Every year, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) puts out its report “Regulation Rumble”. This year’s report, as with previous reports, placed Victoria as the worst place to do business. And again, as with previous reports, it received rather unquestioning media reportage.

Economy

OPINION

Is the RBA backing the wrong horse?

By Fiona Katauskas

Economy

OPINION

The pub test: Why is 85% of Aussie beer foreign-owned?

By Evin Craney

In a Federal Parliamentary inquiry, the big brewers, Lion and Carlton United, estimated that together they control around 85% of the Australian beer market. They are owned by Japan’s Kirin and Asahi respectively. So, where to for Aussie beer? Regional Australia.

Economy

WHAT'S NEW

Australia’s rate hikes outpace major economies as RBA tipped to increase rates again

By Tegan George

The Australia Institute’s chief economist is betting on a Melbourne Cup interest rate rise, after RBA governor Michele Bullock confirmed Australia’s rate hikes this year have outpaced those of other major advanced economies.

Economy