THE big banks shouldn’t expect a “leave pass” from the Government for hiking up interest rates while the official cash rate is on hold, Treasurer Scott Morrison said. In a radio interview this morning, Mr Morrison called on the banks to “be upfront with people” and take responsibility for the commercial decisions they’ve made. ANZ, National Australia Bank, Westpac and Commonwealth bank have all announced they would raise their variable home loan rates by between 15 and 20 basis points. This is despite the Reserve Bank of Australia’s October 6 decision to keep the cash rate at two per cent. Mr Morrison said customers ... (full story)