The future of Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe remains under a cloud with his chances of being appointed for a second term looking increasingly unlikely. But as the axe hangs over Mr Lowe's long career there's still no word on who might replace him - and inherit the risk of a recession by the end of the year.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior business correspondent

Featured: Tim Harcourt, UTS chief economist; Warren Hogan, economic adviser, Judo Bank.

The future of Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe remains under a cloud with his chances of being appointed for a second term looking increasingly unlikely. But as the axe hangs over Mr Lowe's long career there's still no word on who might replace him - and inherit the risk of a recession by the end of the year.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior business correspondent

Featured: Tim Harcourt, UTS chief economist; Warren Hogan, economic adviser, Judo Bank.

Burner phones, secret emails - PWC whistleblowers fear retribution by Peter Ryan

Global consultancy giant PwC has been accused of a calculated breach of trust over a confidentiality breach that leaked plans for a multinational tax crackdown. A senate committee says PwC's desire to "aggressively monetise" information trumped obligation to the taxpayers.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior business correspondent

Reserve Bank deputy governor Michelle Bullock warns the jobless rate might need to spike to 4.7 percent to tame inflation. Suggestions that 140,000 jobs might be at risk has angered unions who say surging corporate profits are to blame.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior business correspondent

Featured: Michelle Bullock, Reserve Bank deputy governor; Zach Smith, CFMEU, national secretary

If you're doing it tough already from the higher cost of living, here's some news that won't necessarily make your day.

The Reserve Bank is warning that around 140,000 people might need to lose their job as part of the campaign to pull inflation lower.

Also is the demise of Fantales a publicity stunt to save the demise of an iconic Australian brand?

It might not have exactly been a line-ball decision -- but the Reserve Bank board has today revealed it went to the brink of leaving official interest rates on hold a fortnight ago..

Instead -- the board opted for another hike on fears that inflation could become entrenched.

The minutes from the Board's most recent meeting ago reveal a "finely balanced decision" based on worries that not acting aggressively now could lead to heavy job losses down the track.

At the moment, anything to do with interest rates and the economy is of massive interest given the risks of a recession by the end of the year.

And this morning we'll see the minutes from the Reserve Bank's most recent meeting which could provide some clues on when the next interest rate rise might be.

It might not feel like it, but Australia's economy looks resilient enough to withstand a looming downturn that might trigger a recession by the end of the year.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior business correspondent

It might not feel like it, but Australia's economy looks resilient enough to withstand a looming downturn that might trigger a recession by the end of the year.

That's the optimistic view from Treasurer Jim Chalmers who's pointed to strong surprisingly strong jobs growth - even though that is likely to force more interest rate rises.