Signs of rising inflation around the world continue to rattle major investors who worry the days of near zero interest rates and cheap money might soon be over. Economists will be scrutinising comments this week from the US Federal Reserve which maintains rising inflation is transitory. ABC's Peter Ryan says any changed language from America's central bank could sway the Australia's Reserve Bank commitment to keep rates on hold until 2024. 
Featured:  Peter Ryan, ABC.

LISTEN: Rate rise fears rattle investors as US inflation spikes

NDIS minister Bill Shorten has rebuked the OECD for warning that the ballooning costs of the National Disability scheme need to be reined in. While acknowledging the OECD's advice, Mr Shorten scoffed at what he's called "self-appointed foreign experts" who should to be looking at improving disability services elsewhere in the world.


Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent
Featured: Bill Shorten, NDIS minister

Bill Shorten rebukes OECD "self-appointed experts" on NDIS costs warning

With the federal budget just a week away, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is busy managing expectations about any major cash splash for struggling Australians - except for what he calls "unavoidable spending". Dr Chalmers is warning budget revenue will just be a "fraction" of previous bumper years although he thinks another budget surplus is still within reach.


Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent
Featured: Chris Richardson, independent economist

Inflation risk everpresent as Treasurer flags "unavoidable budget spending"

Qantas will pay a $100 million civil penalty after admitting it sold fares for flights it had already decided to cancel. The remarkable admission that it misled travellers means Qantas will also have to shell out another $20 million to compensate 78,000 customers hurt by the cancellations.


Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent
Featured: Gina Cass-Gottlieb, ACCC chair; Vanessa Hudson, Qantas chief executive; Michael Kaine, national secretary, Transport Workers Union

Qantas to pay $120 million to settle ACCC ghost flights case as damage control continues

It's a big day for anyone with a home loan who are no doubt watching for any sign of any interest rates relief.

The Reserve Bank will deliver it's latest rates decision this afternoon - but rather than signalling a rate cut, the Board is likely to warn another rate hike might be back on the agenda.

Interest rates to stay on hold but expect Reserve Bank inflation warning .. and rate hike risk

The hope of any interest rate cut this year appears to be fading after Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock warned stubborn inflation might force an interest rate hike.

In response to a question from the ABC, Ms Bullock confirmed the RBA board did discuss the option of raising rates but decided to hold off despite evidence that inflation is hotter than expected.

Michele Bullock confirms Reserve Bank board discussed rate hike before deciding to hold off;

There's been another warning that inflation remains a major risk to the global economy.

The timely reminder from the International Monetary Fund comes less than a week out from Australia's federal budget and alarm from the Reserve Bank that inflation is a real and present danger.

Also the Super Members Council warns early access to superannuation for home ownership could cost taxpayer a trillion dollars by the end of the century.

IMF ramps up inflation warning; early access to super a trillion dollar budget hit by century's end

Super Members Council warns allowing Australians to access their superannuation to buy a home could cost taxpayers a trillion dollars by the end of the century with more people forced on to the aged pension. But NSW Liberal senator Andrew Bragg argues borrowers should be able to tap their super for a home if they want, rather than having their retirement nest up tied up for decades.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent
Featured: Andrew Bragg, NSW Liberal senator

Super access for housing. A trillion dollar risk to aged pension warns Super Members Council

A senate inquiry has recommended that young Australians should be able to access some or all of their superannuation to buy a home.

The inquiry's interim report has been opposed by government members on the committee who warn that tapping super would only push up house prices and untimately force more Australians on to the aged pension. 

I speak with committee chairman, NSW Liberal senator Andrew Bragg.

First home buyers to "fully tap" superannuation to get into real estate, senate inquiry recommends

Bonza CEO and founder Tim Jordan has apologised to staff, suppliers and passengers for the airline's collapse.

Hall Chadwick administrator Jovan Singh has told a creditors' meeting in Sydney that talks are underway with about 20 interested parties in a bid to rescue or restructure Bonza.

Bonza founder Tim Jordan apologises for airline's collapse as 20 interest parties circle

It's perhaps the biggest bet Treasurer Jim Chalmers is making in tomorrow night's federal budget.

Updated forecasts in the budget papers will see inflation slowing faster than expected .. and back within the Reserve Bank's 2 to 3 percent target band by the end of the year.

That's the forecast from Treasury - but the Reserve Bank isn't so optimistic.

Inflation back in Reserve Bank's 2-3pc target band by Christmas - Jim Chalmers' biggest budget bet

Peter Ryan is the one of the ABC's most experienced journalists, contributing to a range of ABC News programs including the flagship radio current affairs program AM, The World Today, PM and ABC NewsRadio.

With more than 30 years of journalism experience, Peter  rejoined the ABC in 2003 as Executive Producer of the ABC Television's Business Breakfast program.

In 2006, he oversaw the development of two new business programs - Lateline Business on ABC Television and Business Today on the ABC's Asia Pacific television service, Australia Network.

Peter's previous journalism career included three years as the ABC's Head of TV News and Current Affairs in Melbourne; more than four years as Bureau Chief and television correspondent at the ABC's Washington Bureau; a year as a producer at the BBC in London; and a range of ABC reporting and producing roles in Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and the South Pacific.

In addition to journalism, Peter Ryan spent four years in the corporate communications sector as a Director at Weber Shandwick Worldwide and then as a Principal at Porter Novelli in Melbourne.

Peter began his journalism career in newspapers at Sydney's Daily Mirror and he worked in Sydney commercial radio before joining the ABC in 1984.

All copyright and intellectual property used in these reports resides with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

LISTEN: Rate rise fears rattle investors as US inflation spikes

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