When Is the Next RBA Meeting? 2026 Schedule & Rate Decision Dates

If you’re watching Australia’s cash rate like a hawk, you already know the next RBA meeting is a big one. The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Board convenes on June 16, 2026, and the decision at 2:30 PM AEST could signal whether relief for mortgage holders is finally on the way.

Next RBA meeting: June 16, 2026 ·
Meetings per year: 8 (since 2024) ·
Decision announcement time: 2:30 PM AEST ·
2026 schedule released: December 2025

These confirmed facts establish the next meeting date and the RBA’s meeting frequency for 2026.

What date is the next interest rate decision?

The next RBA interest rate decision is scheduled for June 16, 2026. The Monetary Policy Board meets over two days — June 15–16 — and announces its decision at 2:30 PM AEST on the second day (RBA Calendar – monetary policy calendar). This is the fourth of eight scheduled meetings in 2026.

Upcoming decision date

• Meeting: 15–16 June 2026
• Decision announcement: 2:30 PM AEST, 16 June 2026
• Minutes released: 2 July 2026

2026 decision schedule

The full slate of 2026 Monetary Policy Board decisions, all announced at 2:30 PM AEST on the second day:

• 3 February (no change)
• 17 March (no change)
• 5 May (no change)
• 16 June (next)
• 4 August
• 15 September
• 3 November
• 8 December

The implication: With four decisions already behind us and no cuts yet, the June meeting is the earliest remaining opportunity for the RBA to ease policy — if inflation data cooperate.

What is the next RBA rate?

As of May 2026, the official cash rate stands at 4.35% (Reserve Bank of Australia – cash rate target). The next rate will be determined at the June 16 meeting.

Market expectations

The ASX 30 Day Interbank Cash Rate Futures market — often called the ASX rate tracker — shows the implied probability of a rate change. As of mid-May, the futures curve suggests a roughly 40% chance of a 25 basis point cut at the June meeting, with the balance expecting no change (ASX – cash rate futures data).

ASX rate tracker

The tracker uses the difference between the 30-day futures price and the current cash rate to calculate the market’s implied probability. It’s updated daily and is the most widely watched near-term indicator for RBA moves (IG Australia – how the ASX rate tracker works).

The pattern: The market is pricing in just under a coin flip for a June cut. That leaves the RBA room to surprise either way, making the ASX tracker essential reading in the week before the meeting.

What date does the RBA meet in 2026?

The full 2026 meeting calendar, as published by the RBA, includes eight two-day meetings (RBA Calendar – 2026 monetary policy meetings).

Full 2026 meeting calendar

• 2–3 February
• 16–17 March
• 4–5 May
• 15–16 June
• 3–4 August
• 14–15 September
• 2–3 November
• 7–8 December

How to find the schedule

The official calendar is available on the RBA website under “Schedules and Events.” It includes all monetary policy meetings, public holidays, and release dates for minutes and financial stability reviews. The 2027 schedule is typically released in December of the preceding year.

What this means: The RBA now meets roughly every six weeks, giving it eight decision points a year — down from 11 before 2024. Fewer meetings mean each decision carries more weight, and missing a meeting means waiting longer for the next chance to adjust rates.

What months does the RBA meet?

The RBA meets in every month except January. The eight meetings are spread across the remaining 11 months, with roughly one meeting every six weeks (Mozo – RBA meeting frequency explainer).

Meeting months

• February, March, May, June, August, September, November, December

Excluded months

January is the only month without a scheduled meeting. The board typically takes a summer break, and the first meeting of the year is always in early February.

The catch: Because January is skipped, the gap between the December meeting and the February meeting is the longest of the year — about eight weeks. That can amplify market speculation during the holiday period.

When can we expect the next interest rate cut?

Most analysts surveyed by Finder in May 2026 expect the RBA to begin cutting the cash rate in late 2026, conditional on inflation staying within the 2–3% target band (Finder – expert cash rate survey). Of the 42 experts polled, 74% correctly predicted the May 2026 hold.

Rate cut outlook

The RBA’s own forecasts, released in the May 2026 Statement on Monetary Policy, show underlying inflation declining gradually. Governor Michele Bullock has repeatedly stated the board needs “greater confidence” that inflation is sustainably returning to target before easing (RBA – media statements).

Forecast for 2026

• Next cut likely: Q4 2026 (consensus)
• Total cuts expected in 2026: 0–2 (depending on data)
• Cash rate year-end forecast: 3.85% – 4.35%

Why this matters: For homeowners rolling off fixed rates in 2026, a cut in December rather than June means another six months of higher repayments. Track the RBA calendar and the ASX futures together to gauge the odds.

Timeline: 2026 RBA meetings and rate decisions

• 3 February 2026 – First meeting: cash rate held at 4.35% (RBA Calendar)
• 17 March 2026 – Second meeting: held (RBA Calendar)
• 5 May 2026 – Third meeting: held (RBA Calendar)
• 16 June 2026 – Next scheduled meeting and decision (RBA Calendar)
• Late 2026 – Potential first rate cut (market expectation)

The pattern: With no cuts as of May, the June meeting is the next opportunity for a change.

Clarity check: What we know and what remains uncertain

What this means: While the next meeting date is certain, the timing of rate cuts remains uncertain pending economic data.

The consensus: Experts expect a cautious approach from the RBA, with a possible cut later in 2026.

What this means for you

The June 16 RBA meeting is the next real pivot point for Australian interest rates. Whether you’re a borrower, saver, or investor, the decision will ripple through mortgage repayments, savings rates, and the Australian dollar. For homeowners with variable-rate loans, the difference between a hold and a cut is about $75 per month on a $500,000 mortgage. Track the RBA calendar and the ASX rate tracker in the weeks ahead — and mark June 16 on your calendar. For borrowers, the implication is clear: hope for a cut, plan for a hold, and watch the data.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs cover the most common queries about RBA meetings and rate decisions.