RBA lifts interest rates to highest level in 18 years, in majority decision by RBA board. newsiviewlistenLoading ABC NewsNews HomeRBA lifts interest rates to highest level in 18 years to try to dampen inflationShareShare articleRBA lifts interest rates to highest level in 18 years to try to dampen inflationBy business reporter Gareth HutchensTopic:Interest Rates. The RBA's monetary policy board has increased interest rates for the fifth time in 2026.