Inflation figures due in less than two weeks will be the key to next month’s rates decision, as the country’s jobs market remains strong despite economic headwinds.
Australia’s inflation rate has been falling for over 18 months, but rent and insurance inflation are among the household essentials bucking that trend.
A think tank says the estimated $7 billion cost of providing free or low-fee early childhood education and care would be “more than offset” by other benefits.