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RBA rate cut provides breathing space, but won't solve Australia's ongoing productivity crisis

CPA Australia

20 May 2025

RBA rate cut provides breathing space, but won’t solve Australia’s ongoing productivity crisis

• RBA rate cut is good news for mortgage holders
• May provide much-needed boost to business confidence
• Fundamental reforms needed to address productivity woes

Today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to cut the official interest rate by 25 basis points will bring welcome relief for many households and small businesses, but it won’t solve Australia’s underlying productivity crisis, according to Australia’s largest accounting body CPA Australia. 

CPA Australia’s Business Investment Lead, Gavan Ord, said that while the rate cut will put more money back in people’s pockets, especially mortgage holders, the RBA’s decisions won’t solve the structural issues holding the economy back. 

“Today’s decision will be met with a sigh of relief from households and businesses who have been counting on another rate cut to boost their cashflow,” he said. 

“After multiple rate rises, persistent inflation and cost-of-living pressures, consumer and business confidence remain subdued. This cut should lift sentiment slightly and put a bit more money back into people’s pockets. 

“But rate cuts will not get Australia out of its productivity straitjacket. Significant reforms are needed to move the needle on economic growth.” 

CPA Australia is urging federal and state governments to prioritise policies that support business investment and innovation. This includes reducing red tape and initiating public discussions on substantive tax reform.  

“We need to revitalise the business environment by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens and supporting entrepreneurship,” Mr Ord said.   

“If governments can shift away from regulation as the default response to every problem, and instead embrace practical solutions like education and better enforcement of existing laws, this will go a long way to creating the business-friendly environment that is so crucial to Australia’s economic success.”

About us:

About CPA Australia   

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 174,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au

Contact details:

Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, [email protected] or 0401 461 503