The Two Jacks - Episode 143 - RBA Raises Rates, Coalition in Crisis, and Epstein Files Revelations

Show Notes - Episode 143

Recorded: 3 February 2026

Released: 8 February 2026

Episode Description

Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) and Hong Kong Jack tackle the RBA's surprise interest rate hike, the coalition's post-election implosion, and dive deep into the Epstein files fallout. From Gaza peace plans to Japanese economic roller coasters, plus Carlton's dodgy pre-season training—it's all here.

Timestamps & Topics

00:25 - Welcome & RBA Breaking News

The Reserve Bank hikes interest rates by 0.25 percentage points as predicted, with markets forecasting two more increases this year in response to 3.8% inflation.

01:29 - Interest Rates: The Blunt Instrument

Discussing government spending as the inflation driver and the uneven effects of rate hikes on mortgage holders versus savers.

03:35 - Trump vs The Fed

How the US Federal Reserve dropped rates under pressure from Trump despite similar inflation to Australia, and the risks of economic overheating.

05:22 - Blame the Barmy Army?

A tongue-in-cheek theory from KO: Did England's cricket supporters spending during the Ashes tour drive up inflation to 3.8%?

06:49 - Cocaine Economics

Australia's most expensive drugs in the world, Rugby World Cup memories, and why Western Australia pays double.

08:38 - Coalition Chaos: Nationals Hold On

David Littleproud's leadership survives as spill motion fails, but Andrew Hastie drops out of Liberal leadership race.

09:33 - The Oxford Connection

Angus Taylor, Tony Abbott, and Australia's history of Oxford-educated prime ministers—from Gorton to Turnbull.

10:09 - Angus Taylor's Shadow Treasurer Struggles

Troy Bramston's scathing assessment of Taylor's poor performance and lost economic credibility for the Coalition.

11:37 - Coalition Split Continues

Littleproud rejects reconciliation attempts while Sussan Ley remains Liberal leader, with potential "none-of-the-above" candidates waiting in the wings.

12:13 - Listener Ray on Electoral Math

The great compulsory preferential voting debate: why the Nationals win 15 seats on 3% of first preferences while Greens get one seat on 12%.

14:26 - Anthony Green's Patience

The legendary election analyst educates Twitter on how Labor would have won 85 seats under first-past-the-post voting.

15:26 - One Nation's Coalition Targets

Anthony Green's analysis reveals 20 Liberal and National seats at risk from One Nation, with only five Labor seats vulnerable.

17:27 - Could One Nation Replace the Nationals?

Exploring the possibility of a major conservative realignment, with potential Nationals MPs considering defection.

19:35 - What Do the Nationals Stand For?

From "agrarian socialists" to today's identity crisis—the party that used to represent farmers now struggles to define its purpose.

21:05 - Anti-Semitic Abuse at Sydney University

Former staff member Rose Nakard faces court on stalking and intimidation charges for allegedly calling Jewish students "fucking filthy Zionists" and "parasites."

24:45 - Community Response Over Legislation

Why community rejection of hate speech matters more than criminalising phrases like "globalise the intifada," and the problems with new laws affecting police discretion.

27:21 - $25 Billion Hospital and NDIS Deal

Albanese and state premiers sign massive health funding package while agreeing to limit NDIS growth to 6% or less.

28:21 - Autism and the NDIS Debate

Moving mild forms of autism out of NDIS into schools—sensible reform or cost-shifting? Only 23% of NDIS costs despite larger recipient numbers.

29:38 - The NDIS Needs a Medicare-Style Rethink

Comparing the transition from Medibank to Medicare: why the NDIS needs root-an