Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Hunt said in a speech on supply shocks
that recent oil-price-driven falls in consumer and business confidence have not
yet produced clear signs of slowing in economic activity. She warned that
ignoring supply shocks is not always appropriate and said if inflation
expectations begin to rise the economy could face a period of low inflation
alongside higher unemployment. Hunt said the board will continue to take
necessary action to return inflation to target and to ensure the labour market
is sustainably at full employment.