RBA’s Chris Kent says review strengthens readiness for next crisis

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Assistant Governor Chris Kent says the central bank is improving its preparedness for future crises after reviewing alternative monetary policy tools. Speaking in Sydney, Kent said the cash rate target remains the RBA’s primary and preferred policy instrument. However, he said other tools can be important during “extraordinary times,” when circumstances may require additional support beyond standard rate adjustments. The RBA review focuses on how these supplementary instruments could contribute to crisis response, while keeping the cash rate as the main approach under normal conditions. Kent’s comments reflect an effort to ensure the RBA has a broader set of options and clearer contingency planning if financial conditions deteriorate or policy transmission becomes constrained. All accounts agree that the RBA is not replacing the cash rate target, but is assessing and refining its capacity to use other measures if the next crisis calls for them.