Jim Chalmers confident Australia will avoid recession despite warnings of more interest rate rises

The treasurer also noted very encouraging' signs on power prices falling, saying Labor's energy price relief package was working

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The treasurer Jim Chalmers says there are very encouraging" signs on power prices falling and is still confident Australia will avoid a recession despite continuing interest rate rises.

Last week in its first meeting for the year, the Reserve Bank increased the cash rate for the ninth time in a row to 3.35% and warned it was considering even more interest rate rises in coming months.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup