Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29 October. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna know something weird? 1 in 7 Australian adults could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot. They might tease us about our relations with sheep, but at least we're not actually getting into emotional relationships with a rack of computer hard drives. Weirdos. Anthony Albanese gave a speech yesterday about their new AI laws, which he's trying to pass. And trying to get Opposition support for. Guess what would be banned if the law passes? Emotional Intimacy. How cooked. It's not just about adults, but they're worried young people are making chatbots their best friend. How insane is that? Did anybody think this would be the pressing issue of 2026? To be fair, there's probably a similar chance of this happening here. I've got a mate who is dangerously close to his Claude agent. Claude knows everything about him. They chat about life, work and relationships. Anthropic, which is basically the AI emotional pimp of the world, said in its filing for an IPO this week that there is a real risk to its business model that these chatbots could become sentient. In other words, they start thinking for themselves. If they do that, where does this end? Can a government stop a sentient chatbot from forming relationships with humans, even if they ban it? Are people going to want to marry their Claudes? Good luck trying to get this messed up genie back in its bottle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli voter turnout's reached a record high in the election that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu's political future. CNN exit polls show Gadi Eisenkot's on 52 seats to Netanyahu's 50. Security is the leading issue among voters, with many blaming Netanyahu for the October 7th attack. CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge both camps will likely need a coalition to form a government. She says the Arab Citizens of Israel, who are at about 20%, could put Eisenkot over the top, but some of his partners are expected to refuse to work with Arab members. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The election could factor into whether this afternoon brings the Reserve Bank's third OCR hike of the year. Most economists predict a 25 basis point lift to 3%. Inflation's sitting at 3.7% – outside its target band. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge there's an argument for holding off until December, but he expects the Reserve Bank will toe the market's line. He says it might be disruptive otherwise, so close to the election, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property investor is questioning why Labour's rent-to-own scheme should stop at just state houses. The party is proposing allowing Kainga Ora to put aside $100 rent a week, working up to a deposit. Labour would also lift the income cap for 5% deposits to $300,000, making more buyers eligible. Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge it's a good idea but it's niche. He says it could be all for all working people, giving them this $100 credit wherever they go. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.