The Australian government is set to introduce legislation this week that would revamp the nation's central bank, including establishing a separate governance board and stripping the treasurer of the power to overturn policy decisions.
The bill is a result of an independent review of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) released in April with 51 recommendations aiming to amend the central bank's operational laws.
It follows a series of criticisms leveled against the RBA in recent years, including its pre-pandemic hesitation to cut interest rates, its pledge to maintain rates until 2024 and its mishandled exit from the yield-targeting strategy, which had eroded the bank's credibility.
"We want to ensure Australia's central bank remains world-class with a monetary policy framework fit to meet our current and future economic challenges," Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.
According to Chalmers, the new bill will require parliamentary enactment to take effect. Per the review, it is recommended to take effect on July 1, 2024.
The comprehensive review proposed a range of reforms, including the establishment of a separate RBA board to handle day-to-day operations, named the Monetary Policy Board (MPB). It will be composed of six external members with expertise in macroeconomics, the financial system, labor markets and the supply side of the economy.
The details of the new MPB will be finalized next month, and the six external members will replace the current board members, who are mostly business executives. The RBA governor, deputy governor and treasury secretary will remain on the board.
At the same time, the new bill aims to reduce the frequency of policy meetings.
The review also proposed simplifying the dual mandate to focus on price stability and full employment, aligning it with other major central banks. Lastly, the bill will eliminate the treasurer's authority to override RBA policy decisions.
The government and central bank will be implementing the remaining RBA review recommendations administratively, including through a new Statement on the Conduct of Monetary Policy next month. Governor Michelle Bullock said on Wednesday that the statement would consider targeting the 2.5 percent mid-point within the RBA's 2-3 percent inflation target.
While the proposed overhaul has garnered general bipartisan support, certain aspects have raised concerns from former RBA governor Ian Macfarlane and Australia's longest-serving treasurer, Peter Costello. They expressed apprehension that the reforms could undermine the governor's authority.
However, Chalmers countered these concerns, asserting the reforms' aim to strengthen the RBA's independence and decision-making autonomy.
New deputy governor for RBA
In another announcement, the RBA treasurer also announced a new deputy RBA governor right before its final policy meeting of the year on December 5. He appointed Andrew Hauser, the executive director of markets at the Bank of England, to fill the vacant spot Michelle Bullock left after rising to the top two months ago.
"I am humbled and deeply honored to be asked to serve as the RBA's next Deputy Governor," said Hauser, who has 30 years of experience under his belt. "I look forward to working closely with Michele Bullock, her senior team and the talented staff of the RBA to serve the Australian people, and to make a reality of the recommendations in the RBA Review."
Earlier on Monday, Chalmers said that appointing Hauser would contribute to creating the most efficient central bank for addressing present and forthcoming economic challenges, completing the overhaul process.
Longtime RBA observers noted that it is unusual for outsiders to be appointed to a senior position. Hauser's appointment was likely a consequence of the bank's review, as one of the recommendations emphasized the importance of fostering diverse perspectives and constructive challenges. The previous outsider appointed to a senior role was Bernie Fraser, who became governor in 1989.
Bullock welcomed Hauser's appointment, highlighting his extensive experience. According to her, the external perspective he will bring to the RBA and the Reserve Bank Board will be valuable.