With the federal budget just a week away, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is busy managing expectations about any major cash splash for struggling Australians - except for what he calls "unavoidable spending". Dr Chalmers is warning budget revenue will just be a "fraction" of previous bumper years although he thinks another budget surplus is still within reach.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Chris Richardson, independent economist

NDIS minister Bill Shorten has rebuked the OECD for warning that the ballooning costs of the National Disability scheme need to be reined in. While acknowledging the OECD's advice, Mr Shorten scoffed at what he's called "self-appointed foreign experts" who should to be looking at improving disability services elsewhere in the world.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Bill Shorten, NDIS minister

There's another warning today that official interest rates will probably stay higher for longer - and that the federal government needs to rein in spending to help tame inflation.

Just out from the Federal Budget on May 14, the Paris-based OECD is urging Treasurer Jim Chalmers to address runaway spending and growth in the cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

National Australia Bank chief executive Andrew Irvine has called out violence against women and says while major steps have been made to stamp out financial abuse, more needs to be done. Releasing the bank's half year financial results, Mr Irvine said more borrowers and renters pressured from the rising cost of living are seeking help from welfare agencies.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Andrew Irvine, National Australia Bank chief executive

Millions of club patrons in New South Wales have had their personal data potentially compromised in a major data breach. Clubs NSW says it's aware of a "cybersecurity incident" involving fewer than 20 clubs in NSW. Also, the US Federal Reserve leaves interest rates on hold.

The world's biggest mining company BHP has launched a monster bid for assets owned by its rival Anglo American.

The takeover bid is valued at US$40.5 billion (A$60 billion) as BHP tries to get hold of more copper assets that will be used in the renewables transition.

The 13th interest rate hike since May 2022 is looming as a real possibility after evidence that inflation remains entrenched in Australia's economy.

That hotter-than-expected inflation is now pushing out hopes for a long-awaited interest rate cut to early next year .. with a warning the Reserve Bank might need to risk a recession to tame the inflation beast.

I speak with Judo Bank economic adviser Warren Hogan.

ANZ economist Catherine Birch says another interest rate rise can't be ruled out after quarterly inflation came in slightly hotter than expected. While Ms Birch and other market economists still believe the Reserve Bank's next move will be down, signs of sticky inflation and resilient economy remains a concern.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: Catherine Birch, economist, ANZ

In the midst of a busy news agenda, we'll see a set of numbers later this morning that could provide long-awaited relief from the high cost of living.

This is known as the Consumer Price Index - in other words the pace of consumer prices and whether that pace slows enough to provide hope of interest rate cuts later this year.

Star Entertainment executive chairman David Foster privately canvassed abolishing the independent casino regulator in New South Wales despite public comments he was fully cooperating, an inquiry has heard. Mr Foster admitted making the comments in a text message to then-chief executive Robbie Cooke, but said they were "out of context" and "made in the heat of the moment". The second inquiry led by Adam Bell SC is examining whether Star Entertainment is suitable to hold a casino licence in New South Wales.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Featured: David Foster, executive chairman, Star Entertainment