Jim Chalmers says inflation will go higher, but unions are right to push for higher wages

The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, told the ABC’s Insiders it was ‘uncontroversial’ for unions to push for higher wages and for the Reserve Bank to warn of inflation getting out of control. Photograph: ABC TV

Jim Chalmers has warned of “significantly higher” inflation and suggested a workers’ representative could soon be appointed to the Reserve Bank of Australia board.

The treasurer made the comments on ABC’s Insiders on Sunday, suggesting a more representative RBA board may follow a review of the central bank.