‘Michele Bullock a good choice for RBA governor if she can withstand Labor bullying’

Bullock market: Anthony Albanese unveils Philip Lowe’s replacement at the RBA, Michele Bullock. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Welcome to the column where you provide the content. Philip Lowe is out on his ear at the Reserve Bank and deputy Michele Bullock has been kicked upstairs. Banjo was pleased, with one proviso:

“All in all, Michele Bullock is a good choice, so long as she can withstand … the bullying of the Labor Party.”

Porge T not so much:

“The Prime Minister said Ms Bullock had an important job to help contain inflation in the face of global challenges because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Albo, that’s just plain nonsense, and if you honestly believe that, then we’re economically doomed.”

High interest: Michele Bullock takes the RBA hot seat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Same old, same old, said Mike:

“Given that the RBA makes ‘board’ decisions I fail to see how Lowe’s replacement is likely to present a different position when she will be just reporting on what they decided.”

Jeffrey had questions:

“This new appointment is the same person who said there needs to be more unemployed people based on some outdated 1970s economic theory about inflationary pressures from full employment. Perhaps she also has a theory on how the 10s of thousands of people who need to be thrown out of a job will survive. US has 3.6pc unemployment with 3pc inflation.”

GDA said:

“So Chalmers now has someone else to blame for rates. Let’s see how this goes.

Thank you Gov. Lowe for your term on a board which is forced to react to failed monetary policy.”

Peter William wondered:

“How could cabinet vote on this as those with a loan or mortgage must recuse themselves. The members interests register is a dismal read, we are being ruled by people with the backside out of their pants.”

Martin reckoned:

“Of course Michele got the job. It was sure as night follows day.”

toby was mad:

“Anybody who blames the Ukraine war for our inflationary problems is not worthy of being in govt or authority. Albanese that’s you. Such propaganda to cover up their own key drivers of inflation. Renewables energy policy, high migration that is mostly unskilled, over regulation, massive spending including huge amounts of off balance sheet trickery, massive amounts of infrastructure spending at state and federal government level that crowds out the productive private sector, huge rises in cost of living and welfare spending are key drivers driven by poor government management. We are getting what we voted for, but will wake up or will too many keeping believing government propaganda?”

Yes, Minister, said Noel:

“I note that Michele Bullock is a graduate of the London School of Economics, Jim Hacker’s alma mater.”

David’s request:

“Maybe the new RBA boss can explain how collecting 4.5pc more cash in 2024 relative to 2023 and SPENDING 11.5pc MORE is not inflationary. Especially as we are borrowing a fresh $77 billion from others to repay $77 billion borrowed years ago and long-since spent.”

Dave declared:

“This is a political masterstroke by Chalmers for two reasons.

1. Interest rates and inflation will continue to be problematic for some time to come, however with the RBA head now female, criticism will be hard to find

2. they can probably continue to blame everything on Phillip Lowe for at least another 2 years. Being male he is fair game and will be thrown under the bus.”

Elizabeth said:

“Seven year contract and a golden parachute would be preferable to attempting to work with a group which is only a conduit for other agendas. Dr Lowe, we wish you well for the future.”

Jasmine added:

“I thought Lowe did a great job. The position of Governor of the RBA is somewhat of a poison chalice, being the penultimate scapegoat for all the economy’s ills, none of which is its own doing. I am sure Michele will do a great job also, if her previous straight talking is anything to go by.”

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Strike force: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher speaks during a press conference at the labour union's headquarters. Picture: AFP

Hollywood is facing chaos as film and television actors voted to join screenwriters on the picket line in the first simultaneous strike between the two groups in more than 60 years. Pedro wondered:

“Will anyone even notice.”

David was dark:

“There are fewer and fewer good movies coming out anyway. Just rely on the pool of movies that already exist.”

Prion posited:

“These people live in an alternative universe. Many Hollywood movies are failing to make money (hello Disney) and a lot of it is because of their woke movies and so they strike?

They need a dose of reality.”

Michael’s theory:

“As Ricky Gervais explains a bunch of people who spend their lives pretending to be someone else. Now they are pretending to be something else? Working class unionists.

Sorry they are not part of my class and I am gratefully not part of theirs.”

Said Steevie:

“Imagine a world where vacuous Hollywood types and the activists/socialists of the ABC were BOTH on strike with the prospect of NEVER returning. As the old song says ‘what a wonderful world this would be’.”

SAG sack: Now is the winter of no content. Picture: AFP

LBW was unfazed:

“No loss, they are entertainers, some very poor ones, not people who save lives, who add real value to the world, like say doctors and nurses. Perhaps the rest of us should go on strike by turning them off, then reading books, spending more time with our families and friends, get some exercise, to demonstrate their irrelevance.”

Doomed anyway, said Concerned:

“Do we Australians really care. No. These ‘actors’ will soon be replaced by AI generated avatars as we have already seen with some newsreaders outside of Australia. Funny how AI suddenly appeared. They are past their use by date, as is a lot of traditional media.”

Sylvia suggested:

“A bit less twinkling from the stars might be a good idea. The bigger stars can afford to help support the strikers. Wonder if they will. The effect on cinema chains etc is going to be a worry though.”

Andrew asked:

“With so much movie and series content being made now, it’s hard to understand why there is not enough money to be distributed and paid. Quality is variable and, despite the volume, the number of excellent productions has not changed or has diminished. A lot of the content could have been produced by AI. Lots of great old movies and series to watch.”

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Cap in hand: Please, sir, may I have some more runs? Picture: AFP

Gideon Haigh asked the question on many Australian minds with the fourth Ashes test looming: Should David Warner be dropped? Yes, said Greg:

“Michael Neser has just posted 176 in his first county game for weeks. He swings the ball and Manchester has a humid climate. Selectors cannot continue to ignore him. My changes would be Green and Neser in, Warner, Hazelwood out. Cummins batting at 10 makes for a formidable batting depth let alone 4 quality seamers and a spinner.”

Said Bob:

“What I love most about this column is the fun that GH must be having being proved to be so right – everyone sure has an opinion, given the enthusiasm of many of the commenters here in prosecuting the drop Warner case.

“GH mentions the curious non-inclusion of Cameron Bancroft. Given that selectors habitually proclaim that Sheffield Shield runs are what they take into consideration, Bancroft must be asking what else he can do after the season he had. Methinks the technical flaw that he has always had is uppermost in selectors’ eyes. What works in Sheffield Shield matches on Australian pitches may not work in England against Broad and co.”

Warnership down: Chris Broad goes bunny hunting at Headingley. Picture: Getty Images

Tom said stay:

“Love him or hate him, Warner is the best option to open. Harris is just awful and can’t seriously be considered. Renshaw will be the first option to replace Warner when the time is up, but I suspect the selectors will keep Warner until he can retire in front of a home crowd.”

Bill’s bouncer:

“There is no place for loyalty at the elite level of any sport. If the old adage of ‘you are only as good as your last game’ applies, David has more than outlived his right to a game. If he is good enough to get back into the team, good luck to him, but if not, bye, and thanks for the memories.”

The Chaotic Goat bleated:

“I have nothing against Warner, but I don’t think he should be in the team. The chosen alternative openers have consistently failed when included which is a problem. Perhaps we should have brought a young, uncapped opener with us. I suspect they’ll choose Warner but I hope they try something, anything at all as Warner is a walking wicket.”

Gerard’s googly:

“Marsh to open. It’s not about Warner … it’s about picking the side that looks to have the best chance to win. Picking Warner now is an unacceptable risk based on blind faith and hope that he can get to double figures. Who would Broad rather bowl to … Marsh or Warner? Broad would always take the bunny.”

Doug declared:

“Oh come on Gideon! If nothing else Dave Warner needs a good break rather than have Stuart Broad take him again in both coming innings cheaply. Move Travis Head into the opening spot and give Mitch Marsh Head’s spot down the order for the Old Trafford test.”

Last word to Luke:

“Drop him. He’s been amazing but Warner is cooked.”

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