News

Philip Lowe’s RBA term ends, new chief will be appointed

Published

2 years ago

July 14, 2023

Lowe has overseen a controversial period of high interest rate rises

Philip Lowe, the current governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), will not be reappointed to his position.

The Cabinet is expected to meet today to decide on his replacement, with an announcement from Treasurer Jim Chalmers to follow.

While Chalmers holds Lowe in high regard, it is believed that the Cabinet will opt for a change.

Three individuals are considered front-runners for the role: Michele Bullock, the deputy governor of the RBA, Steven Kennedy, the Treasury secretary, and Jenny Wilkinson, the secretary of the Finance Department.

Lowe’s seven-year term was scheduled to end in September, but the decision not to reappoint him comes amidst criticism and calls for his resignation.

The RBA’s decision to repeatedly raise interest rates, from 0.1 percent to 4.1 percent over the past year, has drawn fury and discontent.

Lowe had previously indicated that rates would remain at the record low level until at least 2024 but faced criticism for not clearly conveying the caveats to that statement. Inflation, which has been running higher than the RBA’s target range of 2 to 3 percent, eased to 5.6 percent in the year to May.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has argued against considering Kennedy and Wilkinson for the position due to their existing relationships with the government in their current roles as department heads.

“We will support somebody who is independent, and that’s an absolutely essential criteria. You can’t have somebody who is in the pocket of the treasurer or the finance minister,” Mr Dutton told Channel Nine.

“You can’t have somebody who is tainted by an association or a friendship, or worked very closely with the treasurer, the finance minister and the prime minister.”

Having been appointed directly from Treasury, former RBA governor Bernie Fraser dismissed that suggestion as “silly”.

According to Mr Fraser, Mr Lowe had made a mistake in stating he didn’t expect interest rates to rise until 2024, but had handled the situation well.

“I think he’s done a very good job,” Mr Fraser said.

News

Bondi Beach shooting: Chaos at Hanukkah Festival – What we know

Published

19 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Gunmen open fire at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Festival; chaos ensues, raising safety concerns for public events.

What started as a joyful summer Sunday at Bondi Beach quickly descended into chaos when a gunman opened fire during a Hanukkah festival, leaving multiple dead and injured. The attack prompted an immediate counter-terrorism response as authorities scrambled to contain the situation. Witnesses described the horror unfolding in a busy public space, with brave bystanders and first responders stepping in to help.

The attack raises serious questions about the safety of major public events and religious gatherings. Why are such spaces increasingly vulnerable to violence, and how do authorities assess and prepare for these risks? Experts point to growing concerns about radicalization and the challenges of protecting open, high-profile locations.

In an exclusive interview, we speak with Tim Harcourt from UTS to explore the bigger picture. He discusses the role of bystanders, the impact of such incidents on public safety, and how authorities balance immediate response with long-term safety measures. Tune in for insights into how our communities can stay safer in an unpredictable world.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#BondiBeach #HanukkahFestival #TerrorAttack #PublicSafety #CounterTerrorism #FirstResponders #AustraliaNews #PublicEvents

News

Trump and Albanese sign rare-earth deal: What it means for U.S.-Australia relations

Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.

Published

20 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.

In a groundbreaking meeting in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a historic rare-earth deal that marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two nations. This agreement signals a potential alignment amid growing concerns over defense, technology, and foreign policy. As both countries face shifting geopolitical dynamics, this deal could redefine their strategic collaboration.

The U.S. and Australia have long been key allies in countering China’s influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. This deal, which focuses on rare-earth materials crucial for defense and technology sectors, demonstrates how both nations are looking to strengthen their ties. Australia’s role as a strategic partner is now more critical than ever, with the growing influence of China posing a shared challenge.

Chris Berg, an expert from RMIT University, discusses the implications of this partnership, including its impact on Australia’s security needs and its relationship with the U.S. regarding Taiwan, the Middle East, and the broader Indo-Pacific. From the AUKUS agreement to the U.S.-Australia approach to Palestine, these issues are shaping the future direction of bilateral relations.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#AustraliaUSRelations #RareEarthDeal #TrumpAlbanese #USAlliance #Geopolitics #IndoPacific #AUKUS #MiddleEastEurope

News

Bondi Beach terror attack: Hanukkah celebrations turned tragic

Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.

Published

22 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.

In a devastating and unexpected attack, two gunmen opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, leading to at least 16 deaths and numerous injuries. This horrific act of terror has shocked the nation, igniting widespread outrage and calls for unity against anti-Semitism. The Jewish community, along with the public, is grappling with the unimaginable loss and trauma caused by the attack.

Government officials have condemned the violence, and law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to prevent further incidents. While details about the gunmen are still emerging, the bravery of bystanders who intervened to stop the shooting has been widely praised. This act of terror has sparked a crucial conversation about safety, security, and the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism in Australia.

As the nation mourns, leaders from both religious and community sectors are calling for solidarity, urging authorities to take stronger action against hate-driven violence. Rabbi Abraham Cooper from the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins us to share his perspective on the impact of this tragedy on the Jewish community and how Australia can address the rise of anti-Semitism in the country.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#BondiBeach #HanukkahAttack #AntiSemitism #AustraliaTerror #JewishCommunity #GunViolence #SydneyTragedy #PublicSafety