Australia’s central bank finds inflation top concern in new household survey

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 JULY 2026 —

The Reserve Bank of Australia said 67% of the 9,000 people surveyed in its new quarterly household survey cite inflation as their biggest economic worry.

Inflation concern was evenly high across age groups, genders and income brackets, the RBA said in its first public results released on Wednesday. The finding comes as Australia’s inflation rate remains above the central bank’s 2–3% target range.

Only 25% of respondents knew the RBA also targets full employment under its dual mandate, the central bank said. Awareness of the inflation target was higher at 75%, but many overestimate how quickly higher interest rates raise prices. More than half of those surveyed think rate hikes lift inflation, a misunderstanding the RBA said mirrors findings from other central banks.

Public trust in the RBA is stable, with a median score of six on a zero-to-ten scale. Roughly three-quarters of respondents give the Bank at least five points. Trust levels match those of other Australian regulators and overseas central banks, the RBA said.

The survey showed 70% of participants want more information about how the economy works, including people who currently feel unconfident. The RBA will publish the results every six months and use them to sharpen its public communications.

The RBA introduced the survey in early 2025 to better understand how Australians experience and understand the economy, and public perceptions of the Bank. Three survey waves have been conducted to date.