The 'big four' Australian banks - Westpac, National, Commonwealth and St George - have all lifted their interest rates again, after the Reserve Bank lifted rates by 0.25%. That was the eleventh rise since May 2002. The banks have also unilaterally increased rates during January.
They blamed the sub-prime lending market problems in the US. But, their home loan rates are noticeably higher than non-bank lenders (eg Wizard, Aussie, etc) that have to borrow more of their funds from the troubled US market. The banks are clearly profiteering.
Best advice - find another lender - Credit union, super funds, Aussie, Wizard ...
but do your homework, first.
John